I’ve slowly been building a mentoring relationship with an active astronaut I was connected with through work. Astronauts are typified by an articulate and confident manner, and this man is no exception. During one of our conversations, he mused how we may be better off if the bookstore had a ” help others” section at the bookstore as large as the “self-help” section. I’m not sure if that is a cliche and I’ve just not heard it yet, but as an occasional reader of the self-help genre, it gave certainly me something to think. much to think about.

One other comment sticks out in memory from that conversation that is now months old. He mentioned how immediately after coming back from a long duration stay in space, everyone asks how you are doing. That continues for days, maybe a week or two. But no one checks in 3 months later, or 6 months, which may be when you need the most help. It was a good reminder to not forget about your friends and to check in even after time has passed.