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When walking backwards it’s easy to see where you have been, but difficult to see where you are going. You have to really crane your neck to see where you are headed in order to keep from tripping. Although it is impractical to get through each day walking backwards, this is how many people go through life.
When walking backwards, the view is clear. You see exactly where you have been, along with the route you have taken. However, unless you turn around, you’ll struggle making real forward progress.
There are a variety of reasons people walk backwards through life. One significant factor is becoming consumed with the past. While facing backward, it’s easy to identify mistakes, missed opportunities, errors in judgement, and what you could have, would have, or should have done.
Obsessing over mistakes you feel you’ve made overshadows those things you have done right. When the bad overshadows the good, your perception becomes tainted. You then see problems instead of solutions.
The past is over. Don’t waste time rehashing what has already transpired. Lamenting the past enables it to pollute your future. You must face the direction you are headed in order to shape your future.
The future is unknown, whereas the past is familiar. Fear and dread of the unknown cause you to live in the past instead of looking forward towards the future. Regardless of where you are looking, life moves forward.
Instead of fearing the future, embrace its potential by appreciating all the new possibilities it brings. Look forward to leaving your comfort zone. Each step ahead is new and exciting. Prepare for your future by taking positive steps today.
There is a tendency to walk backwards when upset. This is done to focus on the source of discomfort. You become enmeshed with the people or circumstances that spark anger, resentment, or bitterness.
Leave these toxic emotions behind you. Conflict requires the participation of at least two people. Refusing to engage frees you to turn around and move forward. Moving away from conflict reduces its grip on you.
Moving forward connects you with what’s really important in your life. Let go of meaningless disputes. Regardless of your past experiences, your thoughts and behavior influence your future. Concentrate your thoughts on how you want to live moving forward, not on negative situations from the past.
Turning around and facing forward enables you to look to the future. It’s up to you which path you take. In order to make the best choice, you have to be looking at all of the options. If you don’t intentionally pick your path, you are allowing chance and circumstances to pick it for you.
Whenever you find yourself walking backwards, turn around. Look at where you are going. Alter direction as your goals, needs, and desires change. Adjust for obstacles in your path. If a detour is required, make sure you get back to your intended path as soon as possible.
Having your own desirable goals motivates you to walk forward. Appealing destinations focus your attention on the future. Success requires you to look towards the horizon and beyond. Walking forward keeps you in the present rather than in the past.
Your life is in front of you. Getting the most out of it is accomplished by moving forward. If you have been walking backwards, turning around can happen instantly by making the decision to do so. So, face forward and start stepping into your future.

Recently, North Vermilion Middle’s Dance Team and the Junior Dreams, received first place for their Home Routine performance.
They competed in the Junior Division at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) camp.
The camp took place at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
During camp, the dancers were evaluated in various routines, including Hip Hop, Jazz, and Pom. They received 33 blue Superior ribbons and 22 drill down ribbons.
In addition, the Dreams earned a Superior Trophy and an invitation to a national competition along with several Spirit Sticks.
Eighth graders Brooklyn Feverjean, Ava Gaines, Jaycilyn Hardy, Kylie Istre, Marlee Nugier, and Julie Romero were selected as UDA All-American dancers.
Annalyn Irby received a Pin-it-Forward award for her positivity and hard work. The team would like to thank their families, NVMS, and community for their continuous support.
The team is led by Shamayne Istre, Emily Miller, and Coached by Kenedi LaPointe. Team managers are Abbie Bourque and Braelyn Hebert.

For those who go into public service, most don’t ever expect to hear a thank you.
However, a thank you is always nice.
Public servants in Vermilion Parish received a big thank you on Wednesday, when the Rotary Club of Abbeville held its annual Public Servant Day.
Rotary Club members prepared and served meals to employees from the City of Abbeville, the Abbeville Fire Department, the Abbeville Police Department and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office. Along with some good food, the club also presented awards to individuals from each of those entities.
“We recognize public service each year with awards to individuals in our community,” Rotary Club President Chris Duhon said. “Two years ago, we began recognizing multiple people. We used to have one from the entire community. We realize that it takes more than just one person.
“We have so many people, who go above and beyond, providing services to the community.”
This year’s honorees include:
• Abbeville City Hall - Maxia Hutchinson
• Abbeville Public Works - Eldridge Harrison
• Abbeville Fire Department - Shane Stout
• Abbeville Police Department - Trent Guidry
•Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office - Anthony Frederick
Frederick, a deputy with the VPSO, offered a round of thanks.
“If it wasn’t for the sheriff,” Frederick said, “I wouldn’t be able to do my job. Thank you to my girlfriend and my little boy. Without their support, I wouldn’t be able to do this either.”
“Thank you for this award.”
Abbeville Chief of Police William Spearman said Sgt. Guidry is extremely deserving of his award.
“Whenever we give Sgt. Guidry something to do,” Spearman said, “he goes above and beyond in doing it.
“He has done quite a bit for our department.”
Guidry said he is simply doing his part for the team.
“It’s all teamwork,” Guidry said.
Stout has been a member of the team at the Abbeville Fire Department since 2016. Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Mire said it is an honor to have Stout as the selection, because there are so many in the department worth honoring.
“We have a lot of people with the (same) integrity and drive that Firefighter 1st Class Shane Stout does,” Mire said. “Abbeville is a special place, and we are blessed with a lot of great firefighters. Shane does hold a special place and is well-deserving.”
Stout said he appreciates what this award means.
“I am very humbled and honored,” Stout said. “I love firefighting. I am grateful that I can serve in the city where I was raised and live.”
“I want to thank Chief (Jude) Mire, Assistant Chief Kelly and the great team that we have.”
Hutchinson enjoys being part of the team at city hall.
“Thank you very much,” Hutchinson said of the award. “I am very honored.”
“It is my pleasure to serve at city hall.”
To find out what Hutchinson means to the team at city hall, just ask Kathy Faulk.
“She came to us three years ago,” said Faulk, who serves as Abbeville’s City Clerk-Treasurer. “She had retired from a career in education. We’re just so blessed to have her, and that she chose us to work for.”
“She is reliable, dependable and a good friend of ours.”
Abbeville Public Works Director Clay Menard said you can look no further than Harrison when it comes to dependability.
“He came to work for us in August of ‘19,” Menard said of Harrison. “He hit the ground running. No matter what the job is, repairing equipment to digging a ditch or assisting another department, he does it, no matter what time of the day. All you have to do is call him. He exemplifies a perfect employee.”
“Eldridge Harrison takes care of his job.”
Again, Duhon said the Rotary Club is extremely grateful to everyone who helps take care of the community.
“It’s service above self,” Duhon said, “even if it is what we do for a living. It’s something you get back, tenfold.”
“I want to thank everyone for their service.”

October 13, 1940 ~ June 13, 2021

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Rachael Williams Morton, 80, who died Sunday, June 13, 2021 at Maison duMonde Living Center. She will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery with Rev. Tracy MacKenzie officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Preston Townley, Kaleb Townley, Kasey Townley, Daylan Hebert, Bayley Broussard, Kyle Hargrave and Jordan Sudberry.
Rachael spent most of her life living and working in Abbeville. She was a nearly 30-year Branch Office Administrator for Edward Jones. She loved working with and helping the people of Vermilion Parish achieve their goals. Rachael was also a lifetime and devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Abbeville. She enjoyed attending Sunday school, participating on various committees, volunteering for Vacation Bible School and, especially, singing in church.
Rachael was an introvert at heart, but her big laugh and strong personality made everyone feel welcome. She lovingly gained nicknames such as, Big Rach and The Pink Lady. Everyone in her life knew when Big Rach participated in events and gatherings in the community that they would eat well due to her love of cooking for her family, friends and her children’s friends. It was always a given that there was a meal already prepared.
Rachael will be missed by many – her family, church family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Gregory D. Townley, Jr. and his wife, Christine of Abbeville; three daughters, Robin T. Duhon of Dallas, TX, Deborah T. Rodrigue and her husband, Michael of Abbeville, and Melissa M. Williams and her husband, Wayne of Dallas, TX, four grandchildren, Preston Townley, Andre M. Hargrave and her husband, Kyle, Bayley Broussard, and Camille D. Sudberry and her husband, Jordan; eight great grandchildren, Christian Townley, Elizabeth Townley, Kaleb Townley, Kasey Townley, Daylan Hebert, Hazel Grace Hargrave, Brycyn Broussard and Bralyn Broussard; and one sister, Rebecca W. Landry and her husband, James of Abbeville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Preston Morgan Williams and the former Maude Elizabeth Broussard; husband, D.D. Morton; two grandchildren, Jennifer Townley and Morgan Mouton; and one great grandson, Keb Townley.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 9:00 AM until time of services.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.