Stephen M. Hannemann

Happy New Year

Saturday, December 29th, 2018

Last Friday before the New Year, I had an opportunity to surprise my wife Yvonne at her work and take her for an impromptu lunch. Yvonne had much on her desk before shutting her computer down for the extended holiday weekend. We decided for something quick and chose a sandwich shop close by. I had wanted to post something special for New Year’s Day 2019 and I found it at the Jimmy John’s Kirkland, WA store.

The first thing I noticed while perusing the menu board was the friendly and polite staff. Once ordered, our sandwiches were quickly prepared and when seated, I began to notice the décor. The shop walls were artfully decorated with enameled signage. But not advertising – Yvonne and I read all manner of proverbs – random thoughts and bits of wisdom to live by. I thought what a great way to start the New Year by taking these to heart and sharing the experience.

Before I go further, the quotes and proverbs shared here are from the Jimmy John’s franchise with all rights reserved. Following are just a few of what stimulated me to write this piece.

“If you do the things you need to do, when need to do them, then someday, you will get to do the things you want to do, when you want to do them.”

“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.”

“Work like you don’t need the money – Love like you’ve never been hurt – Dance like nobody’s watching.”

“Proper Apologies have three parts:
1. What I did was wrong.
2. I feel badly that I hurt you.
3. How can I make this better?”

“Honesty is not only morally right, it is also Highly Efficient!”

These are a small example of what graced the walls of the busy little shop. Life lessons all. Lessons about attitude and character, these two attributes comprise the essence of who we are. I particularly like the bit of wisdom about Experience. Let us not resent our disappointments and failures. Learn the lessons from them and move on with a fresh outlook of optimism.

There were also a couple of large signs too lengthy for this forum. One is titled, “How Much is Enough.” Another is titled, “Eating at Jimmy John’s.” Seek them out. You won’t be disappointed.

My prayer for 2019 is that we all move forward this New Year by forgiving more, loving more. Do not harbor the things that hurt, but remember the joy of what was good, no matter how small, and always be giving thanks for what we have.

God bless us all this coming year.

Create a memorable day.

Stephen

Stephen M. Hannemann – © 2018, all rights reserved.

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