THE WAY IT WAS, THE WAY IT IS

BY PATRICK ADAMS

I SUPPOSE IT HAPPENS to everyone. I remember when I was younger and I would listen intently to older people. I always wanted to get ahead, to escape the life I was living, and to live a life that was filled with more meaning and purpose than those who surrounded me. Their stories seemed to often include the phrase, “The way it was.”

But now, I find myself more and more thinking about how things used to be. Indeed, maybe days of the past were more simple, but then again maybe so was I. Maybe the world is more connected now with technology and social media, but maybe I seek it out more now for hints of wisdom or information that will help me to make good decisions. Perhaps there used to be more time, or maybe my life now is just more demanding.

I find myself pondering this dilemma more and more these days as I struggle to find a “balance,” whatever that is. It is true that things used to be simpler. When you have little, and few people around you who matter, things are “simple” because you simply have fewer choices to consider. It is easy now with a blessed life to fall into the mindset of cursing the demands of your life. As we attempt to run faster and faster on this hamster wheel of life, it can feel exhausting and thankless.

As I’ve challenged myself to dig deeply into these thoughts, they are the thoughts of being tired, or selfish or weak. Yes, things have changed today from the way they used to be… because we changed them. People are different today, because so are we. If we have less time, it’s because we’ve made other things a priority in our lives or taken on too many things that we deem as “top priority.” The way it is is of our own doing and, like so many things in life, the way it was is simply our wonderful way of only remembering the best of what once was.

I believe our lives can be as great as we are willing to make them. I do not subscribe to the news of today that the world is falling apart because I have worked hard to find a “tribe” of individuals around me who have values, who work hard, are caring, giving and selfless individuals.

They inspire me and give me faith that because I am also part of their tribe, there must also be something of value inside of me.

Yes, this is perhaps a more deep and personal article than normal, but, as always, I aspire to be transparent and the humble servant to others that brings me personal happiness. I believe that if I sometimes feel these things, that others must too. I think what has changed is that it takes a more deliberate effort to purposely surround yourself with the things and people that bring out the best in you. Whether it is temptation or bad influences, access to those bad actors are more easily at your fingertips than ever before. I have found that as I’ve gotten older, that young, intent listener seeking out wisdom and insight has gone into hibernation.

However, it is time to wake up. Yes, it is overwhelming to consider changing the world, or what the world is today. But your world is not “Earth;” it is what is at your doorstep today. It is your family, your friends, your colleagues, your community. This is a very small world and well within your ability to influence... for the worst, not at all, or perhaps for the better.

Yes, there are many concerning things going on in the world today, but there always has been. When you look back on history, that is the norm. Never forget that in less than just 300 years, we have founded a nation, had a Revolutionary War and a Civil War and two World Wars, a Great Depression, and untold acts since that could fill a library. And yet, today I sit surrounded by an amazing team, serving an amazing industry of individuals I am lucky enough to call friends and tonight, I will go home to a family that I am blessed to call my own.

The way it is today is just as good and the future is bright, if you choose to seek out that lens to look through every day. As always, thank you for the privilege of serving each of you and this great industry.

PATRICK S. ADAMS, Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com