Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I love markers and the idea that they are bold. They mark things that you want permanently identified. They add color and personality to the things you most frequently use. Some markers are good on metal; others are good on wood. They make special ones for fabric. So why is it we don’t like to label or make permanent marks in life? 
In the past few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about changes. Last week’s Podcast was about Chameleons and how adaptable they are in their environments. It is harder for us as people to deal with changes. Are you prepared for a Permanent Change? What are some of the permanent changes in your life? Changes that are permanent often happen without our permission and they set a date in our minds. These may include divorces, illnesses, and graduations. We label them as markers of the past and present. We also think of the deaths of significant family members and how they affect us in some way or another. Today’s podcast is all about changes and how we mark them and why they are significant to us.
With all the challenges and changes going on in our communities, do you feel like you need some help? Maybe a person to talk to or for some direction? Register and join Linda for A Free Workshop on June 4th Dealing with Change. It is at 1:00 on a Thursday. 
So what are the most significant markers in your life?
Can you name them off the top of your head? Probably not easily, you’d have to think about it for a while. Is it graduation from a prestigious university? Perhaps a new profession or a job with a company you really have desired to work with for a very long time? Is it an unfortunate thing, like the death of a family member? Or having to travel somewhere or to see someone who’s sick. It isn’t for an uplifting event! Perhaps it is the year the whole family had a reunion on a family ranch out West? (Linda offers other ideas in the podcast).
Whatever the circumstances, time markers are significant because they can allow you the opportunity for growth and advancement. We don’t always think of it that way, but it is a good thing. Now we are in the coronavirus, but this period in time presents options for us. Options that we intentionally can make. We can decide to enjoy the period of time in our homes. We can decide to take up a new hobby or study for a different profession. In this period of the Pandemic, we can have options presented. We can make decisions to enjoy this period of time or to see what opportunities it will present for us. It may allow us to connect with people we otherwise may not connect with. We can decide to take up a new hobby or perhaps study something you have longed for like a different profession. otherwise, it may be totally different. Someone else may connect with you.
Significant Markers
A significant marker in my life was three years ago June. We celebrated 50 years of marriage then, built a 3 seasons Delightful Den in our backyard, and had close family and friends join us. It wasn’t a wild party, but a simple gathering for us. Now that is a marker for me. Since then Tony had dislocated his leg and had surgery, I was able to attend to large conferences in Tennessee, and visited with my older brother who I had not seen in many years. He lives down in Alabama.
As I look back I recognize that the transition from totally onsite counseling has been evolving into online work. That made the transition during this Pandemic a great deal easier for me. It has allowed me to counsel and do coaching regardless of where people are living. It also has given me time to connect with people on the www.lindagullo.com website in addition to the www.delightinliving.com site.
As we approach the month of June, we will see creativity at its finest. We will see countless parades, marriages, and graduations take on new forms of celebrating. Some of these ways will stick around and be norms for the future. For the people who are older though, it may mean a feeling of seclusion from what they once considered normal and a highlight. That means that each one of us who is involved needs to involve them too. Sharing videos and keeping one another connected is a new adventure for all of us.
Page Flips…
As the State of Illinois begins to open again and we all begin to step outside of our homes, there are told there will be many precautions in place. You can say I am dubious about that because I am not sure everyone will follow the safety procedures that are to happen. What about you? Do you think people will be considerate of others or do you think they will forget?
I just walked down to the mailboxes from my office and the sun was out and there was no one around. It felt good to feel the sunlight and to carry my mask in hand. My prayers continue for those trying to create a good vaccine to protect us as we move forward.
Be Creative!
Changes from this Pandemic Marker in time will definitely affect all of us. Steve Dotto recently said, “Don’t tire rewire.” It is a good slogan for this week. Be creative and take the first step in a new direction, it may put on on the escalator of success. Have a good week everybody. We see you next week.
Note that the written content is not exactly as Linda speaks it--rather it is a summary of some of the content. Please listen and enjoy.