11 Comments
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Jacqueline DesIsles-Bangert's avatar

It is a sobering reality to realize I have played small almost all of my adult life. Shrinking to fit. It has brought me no joy. Now, so late, I am awake. I know what makes me come alive and beauty is one enormous value for me. Beautiful music, literature, nature, which never disappoints, but most of all, beautiful acts of kindness that break my heart in the best way every time.

I am taking baby steps away from hurt, believing my healing will make itself known as I step into the unknown.

Thank you so much for this message.

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Michael D. Warden's avatar

Lovely, Jacqueline. I, too, resonate with acts of kindness, particularly the sort that are done when no one's watching. Just stunning.

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Jacqueline DesIsles-Bangert's avatar

Do not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. I think that is the verse.

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Jodene Shaw's avatar

Fear of failure. Vulnerability and being seen...pressing through the comfort zone...

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Michael D. Warden's avatar

YES. So relatable, Jodi. The struggle is real!

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Michelle's avatar

Going to save and play this each am....

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Michael D. Warden's avatar

Love it!

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Chris meekins's avatar

the best book ever is "the war of Art" by Steven Pressfield, I try to read it once a year

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Michael D. Warden's avatar

A favorite of mine as well!

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Kay Messenger's avatar

Frankly, this question bumped into deep reservoirs and angered me enough that I knew it was a question I needed to sit with. It brought up so much deep fear and sadness of all the opportunities lost that will never return. Grief - deep grief. Letting sadness do its job is a wonderful and powerful path … so much painful beauty available in that process yet not for the faint of heart. Now I dust myself off, dry the tears, harness up with a slight smile … it’s time.

Thank you for provoking discomfort in the best ways.

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Michael D. Warden's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Kay. It takes as much (or more!) courage to be fully alive in your grief as it does in your joy. Both are part of the beauty of a rich, full, human life. You are living it!

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