Football became my obvious metaphor as

it does for many, and I began to equate this as being "halftime" in my life. As

I reflected on my professional life I realized how much time I had spent trying

to make first downs and score touchdowns. My focus had now changed into trying

to be more about people and serving others.

In my next job, my primary focus

was going to be about trying to find the hidden value in people. I was going to

be a "facilitator" for their personal and professional growth, and get them to

see that when you decide to become part of a team that everyone involved (and I

mean "everyone") has an unconscious and very human desire to be a part of

something bigger than themselves.

They say a lot of us begin to feel

this way as we pass into our 50's. As mortality becomes more of an issue,

perspective on life changes and a person's focus can begin to change

dramatically. It certainly had with me.