You can close your eyes

As I prepare for my retirement dinner tonight, I find myself lost in reflection on the past 20 years I've spent at EY. It's incredible how time has slipped through my fingers. The intense emotions I'm experiencing are bittersweet.

I'm filled with a sense of happiness at the prospect of having more time to engage in the things that genuinely bring me joy. Yet, simultaneously, I can't help but feel the weight of time bearing down on me, and I'm coming to grips with the reality that a significant chapter of my life is now officially in the rearview mirror.

In times like these, when I'm feeling reflective and nostalgic, I often turn to music to find comfort and perspective. Right now, I'm listening to an old James Taylor album from the early 1970s, "Mud Slide Slim." There's a simple yet profoundly moving song on this album, "You Can Close Your Eyes," that I used to play as a lullaby when my kids were very young. The lyrics of this song hold a special place in my heart.

‍

‍

“Oh, the sun is surely sinking down
But the moon is slowly rising
So this old world must still be spinning round
And I still love you
So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it's alright
I don't know no love songs
I can't sing the blues anymore
Oh but I can sing this song
You can sing this song when I'm gone
It won't be long before another day
We gonna have a good time
And no one's gonna take that time away
You can stay as long as you like
Only close your eyes
You can close your eyes
It's alright…”

I vividly picture my children's precious faces as they peacefully drifted asleep. Like so many of James Taylor's sweet ballads, these lyrics are filled with images of love, time, and the transient nature of life.
This song has always been a source of comfort in many ways. Today, it is helping me put the impending closure of this career chapter into perspective.

It's not just a song; it's a reflection on the passage of time and the ever-turning wheel of life.

The sun setting signifies the end of one phase, while the rising moon represents the continuation of life and its eternal cycle. James Taylor's words convey the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing the present moment.

‍

‍

In this song, he assures someone of his unwavering love despite life's uncertainties. He anticipates joyful moments in the future and encourages us all to embrace the present. "You can stay as long as you like," he sings, highlighting that we should live in the moment and maximize life's joy and opportunities.

As I get ready for tonight's celebration and prepare to close this long and fruitful chapter of my career, there are several valuable truths I embrace at this journey’s end:

• Embracing Change: We all experience the cyclical nature of time and the inevitability of change. Closing a career chapter signifies a significant transition in life, a moment of accepting that one phase is ending while another is beginning. Embrace this time with optimism and gratitude.
• Trust and Surrender: Closing a career chapter symbolizes a willingness to trust in the next stage of life and let go of the past, a message of reassurance that new opportunities and adventures await.
• Humility and Authenticity: In the song, Taylor admits his limitations and offers a vulnerable, authentic expression of love. When closing a career chapter, it's important to acknowledge both accomplishments and limitations, displaying humility and authenticity in the face of change.
• Shared Experiences and Connection: The idea that both Taylor and the listener can sing the song together symbolizes a shared experience and emotional connection. It's about recognizing the many excellent relationships and connections formed along the way, hoping they will persist long after this night is over.
• The Legacy Continues: Just as Taylor's promise that the song can be sung even when he's gone suggests that closing a career chapter can symbolize the legacy and impact one leaves behind and the commitment to continuing to influence and inspire even after moving on.

It has been a remarkable journey, and I eagerly anticipate the changes and opportunities the future will bring.

So, as I close this chapter, I do it with a heart full of gratitude, ready to embrace whatever comes next.

Like the song says, "You can close your eyes, it's alright."