Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading

 To get to know Allen James and his mission better, and to browse/review or purchase any of his publications, go to:

www.jamesharryman2002.wix.com/allenjamesbooks  or
www.lulu.com/spotlight/allenjames1961

Calendar Books by Allen James' posting for July 8th holds a special meaning for me personally; "When voted 'Most changed since high school' at your 20th and 25th class reunions, bask in the glory".

There are few increments of time throughout our lifetimes which we perceive as very meaningful to us; events which affirm our goals are attainable; events which aid in our acknowledging we've been on the path which we aimed for, having taken the appropriate fork in life's byways.  At any given moment the "present" garners all our time and energy and the "here and now" demands we realize its vitality to who we are and where we're headed. However; our adolescence plays such a pivotal role in forming our psyche and catapulting us toward our destiny.

I was never an overachiever by any means growing up. Being the youngest of 7 older siblings far out-shined me and took care of all of my needs growing up. By the time I got to high school I felt much like the character of Jan in The Brady Bunch during the now legendary episode where her lines, "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha" echo through time; there had been 6 other Harrymans before me to whom I was expected to measure up. I wasn't a musician, I didn't play sports, I wasn't the class clown, I wasn't an honor roll student; where did I fit in the puzzle of our patchwork quilted family?

Seeming to hide in the shadows of those 6 siblings, I surprisingly was voted "Most Dependable" by my classmates our senior year. "Most Dependable"!  I barely had realized I stood out to any of my classmates. Looking back on it now I can think of no better honor than to be thought of as dependable by those with whom I grew up.

Following high school I broke out of the mold and was talked into entering higher education;a choice only one of my 6 siblings had taken upon themselves. From the very moment I received my high school diploma my life changed, dramatically. For the next 35 years I lived life; married, worked, more college, mortgage, work, divorce, changed jobs, sold homes, new mortgage. All the "normal" trappings of "living" passed not me by.

At the Dawson Springs High School class of 1979 reunion in 1999 and 2004 I was voted "Most Changed Since High School". For me it was another honor; it said to me those with whom I grew up who were now adults who perceived me as one of them; still dependable, but "changed" as well. This month I attend my 35th class reunion.  What will it hold?  Just getting to be with old friends will suffice.

Change is good. Applaud yourself when you see changes in your life which are positive. Bask in the glory of your ability to take control of the only thing you can control, yourself, your life, your today...your future.

Keep looking up.  : ) AJ