What A Difference A Day Makes

I had made a deal with myself to not look back. However, it was hard not to take one last peek in the rear view mirror as I left the city limits that day. It had been such a roller coaster ride for the past couple of years. I had made the first big move away from my hometown, almost quit the business completely and went from a personality stuck in the ove
ight shift to taking over the morning show, radio's prime time slot. Now, I was taking a new job even further from home and with more uncertainty than the experience I was finishing up today.

It was New Year's Eve 1992. I started the morning on-air, just like most other days. I was nervous and excited at the same time. As the minutes slowly ticked away on the 4-hour shift, it seemed I was becoming less-confident. How could I move so far away from everything I know? What if I get there and it doesn't work out? What if it turns in to another ordeal that left me wanting to get out of the business completely?

When my shift ended at 10am, I said a few quick goodbyes and climbed in my old car to make the 350 mile drive to Lexington. As usual, I wanted to jump right in. I was scheduled to make an appearance at the new station's New Year's Eve party that night. I barely stopped to go to the bathroom as I was rushing to make the right first impression. But over the many miles, I couldn't help but wonder if I had made a huge mistake! By the time I arrived in the new city, it seemed I would be starting the New Year with more questions than a celebration on this night.

I freshened up and made my way to the party. It was held at a really nice hotel with all the extras to make this a memorable party. I had made up my mind to have a few drinks to help eliminate the questions swirling around in my head over the 5-hour drive. As I made my way to the station's broadcasting area, I immediately spotted my friend, Dale. He was the morning personality and someone I had known for about 5-years. He was also the reason I had this new exciting opportunity. As we started to talk, joke and share old stories, it was suddenly as if the storm clouds in my own head were lifted. I was reminded why this job was the perfect fit for me.

It was not only the right opportunity but the right person for me to be working with at the time. After living with so many questions over the past couple of years at the old station, I realized that the uncertainty was all in that past now. I had simply tried to carry it over to the new place, where there was no history at all! The party with my friend was a wake up call to me that I can control the possibility before me. As the clock struck Midnight that evening, I proudly raised a glass and toasted my friend on a New Year. A year where I would create the moments that were the right fit for me...just as I had taken this new opportunity because it was the right fit too.

When I woke up on New Year's Day, I jumped out of bed. This was the first day on a great, new adventure and all those questions were left on the road. Today was a day to start a new path and what a difference it made. As you get Tuned In to this New Year, I want to challenge you to start a new direction. Leave the old habits and questions back there in those other years. From today, it's a New Year and your year to make it happen...on your terms.

Happy New Year!

"What A Difference A Day Makes" by Renee Olstead

What a difference a day makes
Twenty-four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain

My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I'm a part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine

What a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss

It's heaven when you find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you

What a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss

It's heaven when you find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you