Mind how you go

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a huge fan of public television. Like many, my experience with PBS started with Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. In the late '70s, it was Dr. Who staring Tom Baker. In the '80s, while in college and living in Washington DC, it expanded to The McLaughlin Group. Settling in Grand Rapids, it became The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and Masterpiece Theater. 

Throughout the years, one of my all-time favorites is Mystery! Starting in the 1980s Mystery! has been hosted by iconic actors like Vincent Price, Diana Rigg, and currently Alan Cumming. Mystery! has told the stories of Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Jane Tennison, and many other riveting characters seeking to help others solve challenging problems and situations. (For those that know me well, helping others solve challenging problems and situations has been a life's calling.)

Mystery!'s most recent series spotlights a young detective named Endeavor. Played by Shaun Evens (9^th season coming in early 2023), Endeavor has incredible instincts as an inspector but struggles to find his way in life. His mentor, the affable Fred Thursday, played by Roger Allum (who stared as Inspector Javert in the original London production of the stage musical Les Misérables), is Endeavor’s constant companion, sage, and calming elder presence. 

Throughout the series eight seasons, Fred’s kind and parting phrase to others is: mind how you go.

These gentle words are so endearing to others, that many around him use it as well instead of saying goodbye…and why not? Mind how you go is a wonderful reminder to be aware of what is around you…to acknowledge others you come in contact with…and to be present in all things. 

As a Process Consultant, being present in all things is our service when walking alongside a Client. 

As you look back on 2022, it is helpful to consider Fred Thursday’s encouragement. Take a moment to reflect on when you were able to mind how you went and when being present for yourself and others was more challenging than you anticipated. 

As we enter 2023, I hope that we all can mind how we go.

For me, it is my hope in 2023 to be present for what is emerging, to notice what is important to others and care deeply for it, and to have a quiet mind so that I can see clearly the path ahead. 

If you would like to talk about what minding how you go looks like for you, please feel free to call me at 616.516.9870 or e-mail me at lons@designgroupintl.com.

Mind how you go,

Lon L. Swartzentruber
CEO & Managing Partner