No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should

My dearest J, as I conclude a meeting with some colleagues here, it gave me an opportunity to reflect upon one's career journey

There are about 45 of us and we come from all corners of the world and lead different topics our respective region. I am now the Social Impact leader for Asia Pacific, for instance.

A handful of the folks are in their fifties (like me) and doing this to guide the young and ensure the firm keeps growing and our voices at these meetings are wise

Most of them are in their 40s and then a handful in their 30s. You may call those in the latter group young HighFlyers. However, therein lies the dilemma. Good as they are, they just don't have the experience like the 40, let alone 50 years old have and inevitably their perspectives come across as more academic than pragmatic. Some of them may have peaked too early even.

No doubt exposure to the broader group will help them grow. The larger point I am making though is there is a time and place for everything

By the way, this verse from the book of Ecclesiastes is my favourite and I got it inscribed on a watch I gifted mom for our 25th anniversary. And in your case, though you may not feel so every now and then, the universe is unfolding as it should and your path ahead will be a happy one

I dedicated a poem <If by Rudyard Kipling> to you in recognition of what a fine young man you are growing into nearly a decade ago. Here's another with much words of wisdom.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927

Trust your week is going well, especially as it is N's birthday today