This year is my 40th college reunion, and related to this, there have been many exchanges with friends past and present. It has been interesting to see how people's lives have rolled along. While everyone has taken somewhat different paths, everyone has also experienced their share of ups and downs and life as expected and life as unexpected. In light of this it is natural to compare your life with others but for the most part, that's not a healthy perspective because we all have unique paths with none necesarily better or worse. We can, however, learn from one another. For example, I just heard from an old friend who is engaged in many wonderful activities, and as a person newly retired from teaching, I'm ready to add a few new interests to my life so this was inspiring. I'm also contemplating a few life changes, and when I heard from another friend about the changes she's made in life, I could see how valuable this might be. And watching people accept and nurture their children's lives with the many paths they've taken is similarly inspiring--it's right to both support your children and let them live their own lives.
Our reunion, unfortunately is a virtual reunion. With a year of ZOOM, I'm not sure how much of that virtual gathering I'll attend since I admit I'm tired of virtual gatherings and desire more in person get togethers at this juncture. But, I will continue to reach out and connect with my friends from the past--good people who are forging new paths in this next chapter of life. Onward.