By: Travis Jones, CEO at Career Development Partners, Inc.
Memorial Day is merely the beginning of Summer for some, but for others, it is a day to remember those who have passed from this life. May I suggest that you consider a new approach to Memorial Day that carries significance into the next several generations.
Consider a 200-year plan for life looking back in history 100 years and looking forward 100 years. This sounds crazy, I know. Begin by looking as far back in history, especially in the community in which you live. Put together a list of significant people who have impacted your life and community and the memorial stones they have planted.
Memorial stones honor people’s impact on other people’s lives. On Memorial Day in 1884, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. said, “Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death — of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the Spring. As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again, and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers and destinies of good and evil, our trumpets sound once more a note of daring, hope and will.”
I love what he says about life and joy beginning again and those sounds transporting daring, hope, change and will to the next generation. What a powerful thought!
So, as I think about a 200-year look, I realize how blessed I am to be living in a free society and how I must honor those who have impacted my life by bringing their stories forward. I am also thankful to an Almighty God that has gifted and blessed me beyond measure and that what I do today does make a difference for tomorrow.
Take some time to remember those who have impacted your life and your community and thank God for the gift of remembrance and the opportunity to leave a legacy.
Sincerely,
Travis Jones, CEO at Career Development Partners, Inc.
Travis has been an entrepreneur and business owner in Tulsa for over 30 years. He is a certified Life Options Retirement Coach and is certified to facilitate and deliver the Manager As Coach Learning Series (MACLS) through CPI. He is also a certified Career Coach and DiSC Certified . He previously served on the board of Career Partners International (CPI) an equity partner in CPI, offering a global reach with over 350 offices
