Always something new…

The thing about evolution is … you don’t know what’s on the other side.

Change can be scary. The only thing that you’re sure of is that things will be different, and you won’t know until later whether that’s going to be good or bad. You only find out through reflection and hindsight. That, I think, is half of why change is so frightening.

The other half of the equation is the loss of complacency. If you’re content with the status quo, then shaking things up presents the potential for instability. And very few people are happy when what was stable and secure suddenly … isn’t.

Throughout our lives, the fact that things change is, ironically, the one undeniable constant.

If I compared the 1987 me to the 2020 me, I’d be looking at two vastly different people who barely agree on anything. Our minds, our lives, would be vastly different, even though it’s the same person. And 1987 me likely couldn’t conceive of everything that 2020 me has experienced, just like 2020 me occasionally looks back at my past self and occasionally winces in disbelief at the younger version’s choices of politics, fashion, religious views, and other choices.

Nearly 51 years ago, I entered this world.

Thirty-six years ago, I became a high school student.

Thirty-two years ago, I became a college student.

Twenty-seven years ago, I became a college graduate and a husband.

Twenty-six years ago, I was a customer service agent.

Twenty-three years ago, I became a full-time substitute teacher.

Twenty-two year ago, I was a part-time syndicated columnist.

Twenty-one years ago, I became a newspaper editor, and then a father.

Twenty years ago, I became a full-time journalist.

Sixteen years ago, I became a part-time strategic communications consultant.

Seven years ago, I became a part-time freelance editor.

Three years ago, I became a part-time freelance writer.

Two years ago, I left journalism.

Last year, I launched MB Ink! as a business.

This year, I expanded, and MB Ink! became MB Ink Media Relations.

Today, I am the sum of everything I’ve ever been … and more.

Next year, I will continue to grow, to change, to evolve.

Because no matter what’s on the other side of change, it’s always something new.

In that newness is always something to explore, something you can make your own.

And that journey, that sense of discovery, is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.