Thomas Wolfe’s book, “You Can’t Go Home Again” has been used many a time as a quote when someone tries to go back in time and relive a moment.

But last weekend, at my High School reunion, I proved him wrong because you know what Thomas; YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN, if only in your mind.

When I left high school I never looked back and come to think of it, I did the same with college and many other parts of my young life. I was even on the fence about going to the reunion and told myself, “what for, why bother, who wants to see people that I haven’t seen in many years and who wants to be reminded of those difficult years”. But, I went and had the best time seeing and remembering people I hadn’t seen in so long.

And, in looking back I have healed a part of me. A part that lay dormant for so many years because I hadn’t addressed those painful high school years. I am still thinking about that night, have reconnected with old friends that I hope to see and I have remembered the good times I had and the more painful ones have faded away.

What a powerful experience going back was yet seeing these people in the present and carrying some of those memories into the future.

So, when was the last time you reconnected with an old friend, even an old memory and allowed yourself to look back? You might even be surprised at how powerful it can be.

I bet you didn’t know that all of us have accumulated wisdom that we can share with others and help guide them along their career and personal paths.

Not only am I a personal and professional coach,  helping to guide people so that they can reach their goals and become their personal best, but I also chair a Mentoring Program. In this program, seasoned professionals called mentors are paired with younger, less experienced mentees looking for guidance and wisdom.

It is amazing to see the transformation when someone is willing to reach out to others and help them along their path in life.  We all have the ability to create this magic if only we are able to look up from our busy lives and see what is wanted and needed. 

By the way, wisdom can also be found in small people as well.  I have had many conversations with young people, and if you listen, there is a lot to be learned from hearing their views on the world.

 Make a promise to yourself this year to reach out to someone and give them the gift of wisdom, I promise you it will be much appreciated.

I’ve noticed that I haven’t been laughing much since the year begun and quite frankly, most of last year.

We all know 2009 was a challenging year strewn with fuzzy road maps and landscapes and trying to gain traction seemed almost impossible.

Although 2010 is moving along at a glacier pace it is moving forward which is the good news.

So, I’ve decided it’s time to ramp up the laughter and the smiles and see what gifts this new state of being brings. Will I find myself happier than last year, who knows but laughing has to have a powerful effect on how I move through this year.

Perhaps you can find ways to express yourself through laughter, giggles and smiles as well, who knows it might even be contagious?