For those of you who have chosen not to come to the reunion tonight, I write to you… I know many of you have prior commitments, or can’t get to Idaho Falls. But there are many of you who just don’t want to attend for one reason or another.
High School is an interesting time in one’s life. For many of us it defined our own value and self esteem. We created perceptions of who we thought we were according to how our peers viewed us. Think back 25 years ago. Was High School a negative or positive experience? As I have spoken to individuals of their high school experience, I find it interesting that those people who I considered “in, or popular” didn’t always feel that way themselves. Many times we hold perceptions on certain individuals that they themselves do not see. Through my line of work, I have the opportunity to process individuals through emotional healing. The years through Junior High and High School are a profound time that can hold life time impressions of feeling connected or disconnected with peers and friends.
Perhaps you felt a sense of belonging to a particular group or not belonging anywhere. Maybe you felt judged and inadequate in front of your peers. I myself struggled with feelings of inadequacy, not smart enough, cute enough, wondered if I was well liked and the list goes on. Luckily for me I had enough positive experiences that High School became an overall good experience. However, my heart goes out to those who did not enjoy your years of Junior High and High School. This may be a reason you don’t want to be connected to High School at all now that it is long gone.
Regrets from high school can dominate your thinking, we all have regrets. But let’s create new experiences of fun and friendship and let the old go. Reframe a positive experience with our reunions to create new friendships that can be life-long.
In April there was a group of us who decided to cruise together for the reunion. Although we each represented different click groups from High School , we blended well together and created new life-ling friendships. It was awesome!
Another reason may be where you are in your current situation. If you are embarrassed of your job or of not having a job for many, gaining weight, losing hair, etc. The fear of judgment from others is a really valid reason not to go out in front of High School Peers. But, hey if Brian Minner, jobless and homeless, can not only come to the reunion, but head it up, you can come too.. (thanks Brian for being such a great example)
I address all of these concerns because WE WANT TO SEE YOU AND RECONNECT. The planning committee puts in countless hours to make this a positive experience for all of us to reconnect and have a great time with each other. These committee members gain nothing but the satisfaction of enjoying each other’s company and seeing you have a good time. That’s it… What do you think? The least we can do is honor that for them… Come and show up, have a great time, re-connect and transform those painful moments in your teens to bliss. Okay, maybe not bliss, but guaranteed fun and frolic. We have plenty of activities scheduled to provide new life-long friendships. I promise it will be worth it!
See you this weekend!
Sandra Baker, Aka Sandy Weller