New Year’s Eve with friends – A little bit of happiness
This circle of friends has already lasted 33 years, despite the seven expat years in between. And we met for the celebration into today’s New Year’s Day.
The surprise question: What was your first record (single) that belonged to you? The background: Lyric research and karaoke were the plan for the evening.
My thought: Am I honest or do I think of a title that I can sing well and gladly? But the idea was really good and the stories behind the songs created a lot of atmosphere.
In my parents’ house in the 60s, there was a playroom for us kids – (I have three siblings) – with a simple record player, everything still mono. For me, the eldest, the transition from the fairy tale records to the first singles was fluid.
My youngest uncle had good relations with an ice cream parlor. And there was a jukebox there. You know, such a machine that mechanically drew the records. And from time to time the singles were exchanged with new ones. That’s how I got my first record, a used one through my uncle.
Adamo, “Ein kleines Glück“ (translated: A little bit of happiness).
I can see the cover in front of me and the slight curl of the record because it had gotten a little too much sun over the years. But it ran.
My gosh. Long time not heard and forgotten the lyrics. “A little bit of happiness, will grow big one day. If you can only wait, then it will fall into your lap.” And so on.
I am reflecting. The small moments of happiness indeed play a big role in my life.
The good thing about the jukebox is its ability to accommodate change. The box can be restocked with alternate records. Over the years, the taste in music developed. And in the 70s, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley dominated my records shelve.
Nothing is as constant as change, right? And this message fits the turn of the year. From New Year’s Eve 2024 to the New Year 2025. Best wishes!
➡️ Which one was your first record? And what story is behind it?
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I am Bernd Scharbert and I am glad to accompany and advise when it comes to intercultural leadership, diversity and sustainable work in general. If you are interested, please follow me at LinkedIn, #Prepare4Landing or contact me directly.
