12-1-21: Reflection makes memories last forever

There have been many times in my life where I was fortunate to have the presence of mind to pause and reflect in big moments so I could fully experience them and appreciate what had brought me to them. 

After winning the 1988 World Series as we left the field and entered the locker room to pop the champagne, I found a little empty room with one chair. I sat down, took off my uniform and listened to the exuberance of my teammates and reflected on the fact that a kid from a farm in West Sacramento was now a world champion. 

Another time when I was facing Hall of Famer Steve Carlton of the Phillies with the bases loaded I stepped out of the box. I looked around at the 55,000 cheering fans and felt the reality that, here I was, in the big leagues on a beautiful Sunday facing a Hall of Fame pitcher in a packed Dodger Stadium.  

The holidays are a great time for you to do the same type of reflection, to pause in moments at work, with family at a big gathering, during a wedding or even just a quiet morning. Pause as you soak in the moment and appreciate the good feeling you have because if you do, those good moments will last forever.