Past, Present, and a Word from Future Steve

If Past Steve could see Current Steve now, he’d probably do a little happy dance in the pharmacy break room.

You see, Past Steve worked hard—really hard—for over 30 years. Long hours, full-time clinic pharmacy, grinding through the demands of a profession he cared deeply about. Thanks to that focus and drive, Current Steve now gets to enjoy a new rhythm: part-time hospital pharmacy work, just two days a week, with five days off to enjoy life.

And enjoy it he does. Long walks with his wife. Bike rides. Runs. Home projects. Staying engaged with the profession, but with space to breathe.

But even as Current Steve enjoys this new pace, he can’t help but think… maybe Past Steve could’ve done a little more. A bit more attention to relationships. Health. Diet. The yard. (Seriously, the yard.)

The truth? Past Steve was busy. Caught up in work. Convinced there wasn’t enough time for much else. But now, Current Steve sees how those missed investments might’ve paid dividends too.

Which leads to the real question: What will Future Steve think of me now?

Will he be grateful for these choices? Or wish I’d done things a bit differently?

It’s a humbling thought—and a hopeful one. Because maybe, just maybe, there's still time to shape how Future Steve tells this story.