I had arrived at the airport about 30 minutes before the required check in to catch an early flight home. It had been a very busy three days for me on an interstate trip with lots of meetings, business to do and new customers to meet. So I was glad to have the extra time to make my notes on what I needed to action when I got back to my office the following day. Equally, it is always a great feeling when you complete your 'to do' list, as well as the sense of control that comes from getting it out of your head and onto paper, or should I say into the laptop.

Our lunch was spent recalling times gone by and as well filling each other in on what had happened in our lives over the last 12 years. Our conversation was punctuated with statements such as 'remember when we did. . . ', 'whatever happened to . . .' and of course the one we all liked to hear . . . 'you know you haven't changed one bit, except for a few more grey hairs.'

We both laughed and smiled as we recalled the good times and the great experiences we had shared over the 15 years we had worked together. Each event we discussed triggered another recollection and everything we talked about centred on the good times, and only served to further energise each of us during the course of our lunch. Almost simultaneously, right at the end of our time together, we both said how much we both enjoyed it and that we must do it again. We agreed to catch up when I was next in town, then said our goodbyes and I was off to the airport.

So with this extra time on my hands as I waited for my flight, it was great to revisit and replay in my mind all that we had talked about over lunch. I realised at that moment just how important it is to have regular reminders of the good times in your life and to be able to take the time to reminisce, for so much of what we have done in our past, shapes us and makes us who and what we are today and beyond.

At the end of my busy trip with the focus on getting all the business done, I was indeed fortunate enough to have had the chance to take a short break and reflect on the good things that had happened in my life over 12 years ago. It was somewhat like looking at an old photo album that you have found stored away in a cupboard in your house, there before your eyes are lots of wonderful memories in print that take you back to that time and place, and most importantly to those people who are in the photos. It also made me realise that when you get caught up doing what has to be done in the moment, it is easy to forget the people you have met in your life who have made a positive impact on and enriched you, often in only the smallest of ways.

My flight home was finally called nearly three hours later and yes as you would have expected many of the passengers cheered when the announcement was made. I smiled as I boarded the plane and realised that I was not at all upset about the delay in the flight departure, as I had been able to spend much of my time reflecting on the good times from days gone by and now eagerly look forward to many more opportunities to reminisce.

Inspired by Vasil Delvizis, my business associate and good friend from times gone by.
Written by Keith Ready