We Didn't Recognize....We Were Honored...

By Sid Chadwick, Chadwick Consulting, Inc. – 12/18/2025

Published in American Printer : “Sid shares a reminder we all need: even in tough times, gratitude matters. His reflections on trust, resilience, and the people who stand with us invite us to pause, look around, and see the opportunities we might be missing.”

“I don’t think people realize that things can be good… when the situation

is bad.”……………………….New Public School Superintendent

INTRODUCTION:

I often reflect ….including stories I read…. of those who came before me….and those facing tough, tough situations today…..I really have nothing to complain about…..!

We have multiple clients finishing-up 2025… in much better financial condition than they expected….and I wonder… “Do they know how fortunate …they are…?”

With the barrage of negative news we receive, ‘seems like hourly, sometimes we allow those voices to control our attitudes, and our lack of recognition – about how fortunate we are, and that we need to remember – we’ve been blessed to receive and engage….almost unlimited opportunities… waiting…….

After a pause of reflection on an exhausting dark day - with a 5-Hour Chemo Treatment, I’m tempted to ask, for tomorrow…..

“Have I written a personal 'Thank You Note' to my clients…& customers…and associates – for their placing their precious requests and trust with me… and us - this past year….?"

"Did I recognize the unspoken 'Trust' …and honor……that was expressed – through their requests…?"

"Did I recognize the value of those in our organization, including our terrific suppliers and friends, whom I just always assumed…'would be there'….'would do their job' – because they were talented, trained, experienced and reliable – and always were….?"

SUMMARY:

Life…. brings surprises….

And sometimes those surprises represent new, unexpected challenges – that require a collective effort….

…for identifying what is most important…

…and including those we didn’t previously recognize…we would need… but who were always, or almost always…. there.

We are truly blessed with unlimited opportunities… in this Great Democracy, and this Great Industry…whether or not we recognize it…..!

“Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.”…..John Dewey, Philosopher, Psychologist & Educational Reformer