In my mind, I’ve had an illustrious career in journalism – despite the lack of any awards that would prove that statement. I’ve interviewed many people, from the moderately famous to complete unknowns. But this most recent interview was a first for me.

We did it over a Zoom call, and when I logged in to the meeting, I saw a boy in front of his camera. I said, “Hi.. is [the person I’m supposed to be interviewing] there?” He replied, “Yes, that’s me.”

He literally looked like his Mom took him out of eighth-grade homeroom to do the interview, which was all about the work experience of software developers. And yet, this kid was already on his way to his first BILLION! (And to think, I dropped comp sci at Maryland because it required logical thinking, and those of you who know me, well… ‘nuff said. )

Anyway, when I asked him about how he got to where he’s raised multiple millions of dollars for his company at the age of 21, he started his response with “Well, early in my career….”

Early in your career?? I’m thinking, what, you got your first job when you were 9?” (My first job, foreshadowingly enough, was delivering the Long Island Press on my bike before school. I was on my way to my first billion, but instead of riding the bullet train to the top, I’m taking the stairs.)

Then I asked him, what do you see when you look down the road? He started answering, and I of course got derailed by my own thought … he’s looking ahead, while I’m spending more and more time looking back!

Why, as we are getting older, do we spend more time on nostalgia and the good things in our past? Two easy answers. The first, obvious, answer is because I can remember everything about life in eighth-grade homeroom, but can’t remember who I’m supposed to call in an hour.

The second reason we look back is because we don’t want any part of what’s inescapably coming ahead.

The beauty of looking back is that we can cherry-pick what we want to remember. The successes we’ve had, the thrill of first friends, first kisses, first trophies. (Wait, they give trophies for first kisses? What town did YOU grow up in?)

The other beauty part is that we can filter out all the bad stuff, like the dropped fly ball in right field that cost the little league championship. (It was Steven Rosensweet’s fault!) The times you got dumped by girlfriends (NOT Rosensweet’s fault). The times you got suspended from work for off-color remarks (they were JOKES!). Like the time you got married.

I mean, really, who wants to think about those things?? (Just kidding, honey.. Love you!)

But looking back, I also realize how truly blessed I’ve been, with life experiences that brought me to foreign lands (Spain, Israel … Texas!), with the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made along this crazy road. And of course, by having met my partner for life Carrie and the girls we’ve raised to become the amazing, impressive and FUNNY women they are. And there is so much more to look forward to. (Some journalist.. Doesn’t even know you can’t end a sentence with a preposition! What a maroon!)

Anyway, Jerry Garcia almost got it right: “What a long, strange (and wonderful) trip it’s been!”

So, while I enjoy looking back, I’m going to keep looking ahead to the good things that life will bring.

Keep on truckin’ everyone!!