Perspective

Today I was digging through storage, searching for my school diploma for an employment background check. As I did so, I came across my college yearbook.

I opened it to my picture and, after laughing so hard I was brought to tears (can't believe I went out of the house looking like THAT even once, let alone on a regular basis!), I thought: "What would I say to the young me today?"

So, here's some advice for 21 year-old John Grieco:

• Treat everyone with respect.


• Make time for your friends. Some of them will be gone before you know it or before you're ready for it.


• Laugh. A lot. Don't worry if others think you're crazy, but do try to convince them to join in.


• Sometime in 1995, you'll see a gorgeous lock of hair behind some boxes stacked on a hand truck, trying to open a door. Make sure you help her. Give her your busines card too.


• Relax. Enjoy the journey. Becuase no matter what you do things always work out.

Perspective

On our honeymoon, my wife and I visited Italy and, as part of that trip, toured the Sistine Chapel. It was explained during the tour that Michelangelo for many years was thought of as a great sculptor but not as good a "colorist", based on his painting of the Chapel's ceiling.

In 1984, a restoration of the ceiling was undertaken. During this time, the restorers stripped all the wax and painted definition left in previous restoration attempts, bringing the surface back to as xclose to Michelangelo left it as possible.

Suddenly, scenes were shown in bright, vivid color. Suddenly, scientists realized the candle smoke and layers had obscured the genius of the artist. Suddenly, Michelangelo became a great colorist, on par with his sculpting ability.

So, the point of the story is to lift the veil on things in your life. Let the real you shine through. And don't pay any attention to what others say, good or bad.