Never. Next. Now. Newsletter: Edition 2
Never. Next. Now. Newsletter
BY RAQUEL EATMON
4.30.25
THE PROCESS OF IMPROVEMENT
Never.
Exploration.
The Green Giant froze me in my steps. I opened the freezer’s glass door for a closer look, and there it was: the square box, bearing the green man wearing layers of leaves. My mother was loyal to this brand my entire childhood.
Instantly, I morphed into that lean-bean eight-year old, pony-tails flopping girl, staring up at my mom. I had a deep curiosity about her, even at the grocery.
The grown-up version of me tapped into dormant memories left tightly folded for decades. Suddenly, it all rolled back: A single mother, just getting by, buying vegetables for her growing daughter. Scenes from my childhood flowed like a smooth dance. While I liked spinach, I’d latch on to the side of the shopping cart, pleading for popsicles. “Yes,” mom always said. Those were hard times, but mom knew how to soften them.
As I recounted this memory, my brain moved from shopping with mom toward the extreme hardships my family endured. Sadness threatened to overwhelm me.
“No!” I told myself, “There will not be a meltdown at this cooler in aisle 9!”
I’ve replayed past hurt before, no more reruns are needed! I teetered. I shifted. I changed.
I allowed the reminiscence to swell to a whirlwind of warmth: That old neighborhood store, the chill from the freezer, the squeaky cart wheels, mom’s coconut-y perfume. The resurgence was refreshing.
I closed the freezer door, staring at the reflection of my grown-up self. The corners of my mouth met the sky. I felt a deep appreciation for what was long forgotten.
Although I was alone in the moment, I felt a direct connection to something significantly bigger. I felt loved, validated, valued, and protected.
Many memories can ignite joy, even if they need a little coaxing. A nudge in the right direction produces better thoughts, helping us to get a bit stronger each time. A more sturdy and secure life certainly settles me, how about you?
Next.
Innovation.
On Reflection
"Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us," - Oscar Wilde
We have a choice in what and who we carry with us. Allow past kindnesses to seep into your soul. Reflection can doctor up our overwhelmed brains and aching hearts.
Now.
Growth.
How to catch a thought
When Tony Robbins said, “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood,” he meant you are in control of your thoughts right now.
A sliver of hope can help fend off discouraging thoughts about a past event. Dwelling deeply will help. Find what I call the Little Good and use it to scrub old debris: A gold star on a test, freckles on the face of your childhood friend, ice cream with grandma, or summer nights.
Find any little good thing and make it a better thing. Make it better through focus and attention.
Guide your mind as you would allow a G-P-S to navigate you to your desired destination:
Press a button = is deciding to change
Speak the Destination = is claiming it: what do you want?
Drive = Get there!…GO!
Thank you for being here with me. I’m delighted to share this experience with you. If you enjoyed it, will you please forward this Never. Next. Now. newsletter with a friend or send me a note at RaquelEatmon@gmail.com on your thoughts?
Fondly,
Raquel
PS: My dog ate an entire animal- it’s ok- it was stuffed. The dog is also ok, he regurgitated the whole thing. :/
Raquel Eatmon is a serial entrepreneur. She is an Author, Restaurateur, Speaker, Founder of Woman of Power Leadership Conference and a dynamic Communications Catalyst. She is a sought after professional development speaker, executive coach and podcast interviewee. Perhaps there is a fit for your organization. Inquire via raqueleatmon.com/contact