Good to see you, and it's great to be seen

I know it's just a number. 2018 on our calendar, much more on other calendars, but here again is a 'new year', depending on when you mark it. A good friend retired last year, had big plans to travel, go on missions, go see family aaaaannnndd *Cancer*. He was handed a huge nopes burger with a side of maybe you are dying sooner than later. Each time I see him at church, I wholeheartedly say "Bruce! Good to see you!" and he always says, "It's good to be seen". I like his poignant attitude, it grips me, makes me sharply aware of our impermanence, the preciousness of each day, each friend, each family member, each day, year. Actually, quite a few friends came down with various potentially terminal illnesses, some genetic, some they brought on themselves-but they own it and are making hard changes. All facing it with huge fortitude and real boldness, courage I wish to elaborate on.

Professionally, you may be looking for a job, you may run your own company, you may be volunteering, you may be recruiting or helping others get a career moving. We really never quite know when 'life' hands us a curveball, seemingly just when we make plans...life happens. But being prepared, being informed, improving your network will vastly help you brace for life's unexpected challenges, and they do happen, and will keep happening. Engage more, reach out more, help more, give more, share more - just make sure you are established and positioned to weather the next storm. Thankfully Bruce is highly connected, near 5 major medical metroplexes, and looks thinner but seems to be beating it, but not alone. My own family had this happen. 18 months after retiring, my own Father - Jerry Glines, Un. of Washington EHS professional - had a 'one and done' heart attack just before my he and my Mom were to embark on a mission. It came so sudden, so blindsiding it took a week for many to accept this unforeseen and unfortunate turn. Thankfully, he had set up the pension, social security, stock market disbursements, paid off home and car, and made things much easier for my family, it still takes care of Mom to this day, thanks to foresight and preparedness.

This year, take the time to be ready for what life throws at you, make certain to engage, tell people how much they mean, grasp this moment, seize the day and enjoy the ups/downs. Maybe take a chance on people searching for that next job, maybe dare to branch out, be kind and connect to others- more than just 'like' or add to connections..actually engage! Be seen but be present too. Face life with epic courage and the knowledge that with the downs and curveballs, it also gets better. Carpe Diem.