Mind Viewing

Friday, April 19, 2024

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. This capture of Maxwell says a bunch.

The department store manager where I work part-time will leave in a few weeks. She’s heading to Colorado, to start managing a “sister store.” Our Bend employees are sad that she’s going because she’s a good store manager, but are cheering for her new opportunity.

Bend’s second-tier managers who report to her are well-seasoned, know their stuff, and are good leaders who can keep the store’s goals and line workers on track to succeed. I’ve never found it easy to say farewell to a well-liked someone, but I have learned that a capable succession group can ease the challenges, and we who still are here will adjust appropriately and move forward.

Socially, in contrast to lengthier, earlier times, the post-Viet Nam era’s explosion of technology and wealth has encouraged populations to keep moving and seeking new opportunities. We have learned to live in a nuclear age, and are accustomed to people being constantly on the move. We have become seasoned shifters of allegiances.

We have learned that families may split, long-time close friendships may become long-distance friendships, our supporters and mentors might move away, and now, we’re learning that people are living longer, for more years than ever anticipated. We understand that our home base essentially is ourselves and that calls for self-confidence and self-structuring.

To that end, we are exploring new interests to keep our minds alert, being active to build strength and remain active physically, and knowing it’s important to be sure of ourselves and carry on despite the constant social changes affecting us.

Anyway, now, a capable, fine friend is leaving. I’ll adjust.

Dear Friends: Always, a huge challenge to wrap one’s head around change. Diana