18 Comments

Thank you for sharing! I will remember what Amanda Knox and yourself point out: how do I make the now count?

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Hi Diana, It's a good plan isn't it?

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This a poignant piece of writing, Janice, full of self-awareness, and an abundance of hope ❤️

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The Amanda Knox analogy is striking and I applaud you for using the comparison from someone so young. I have enjoyed all your writing you have shared of all your different struggles and finding ways to cope. You are amazing. Thank you.

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Thank you Rita, I am so glad that you are enjoying the articles as much as I enjoy writing them.

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This is so important...for myself it’s a oractice of embracing the circumstances as they are and asking what the moment calls for. One of the greatest prayers I say is “God teach me to love the life I have” screw the greener grass over there. Teach me to love this life here and now. It’s the only way to traverse liminal space.

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A beautiful piece of writing that is filled with meaning

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Thank you Allan. I was struck with her insights at such a young age.

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I enjoy your posts Janice. Always get something from them. 👏

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Hi Lee, I'm so glad to hear that - I certainly enjoy writing them.

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What beautiful words she speaks. And you too. I also wrestle with this question as my health has made it difficult to do all that I would like to do. Seeking value from each day is actually a beautiful way to live, irrespective of circumstances.

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Hi Cali, How are you? I agree about finding value from each day. It has made a difference, a little more doable if you will. Take care.

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I'm progressing thanks. Have embarked on a treatment program. It continues to be a lesson in learning to love and appreciate myself. I hope to start writing a couple of articles a month very soon. But it has to be fun and no pressure. Lots of useful lessons xx

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Man! How can I make my DAY worth living, rather than how can I make my LIFE worth living sure takes the pressure off. A DAY plan seems manageable, whereas a LIFE plan is a bit daunting. (Thus the AA practice of One Day at a Time.) An unusual source for you, but ideas are often found in the least likely places. Thank you for another practical insight, Janice.

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Hi Sharron, I too found that it takes the pressure off - the whole of life became more manageable and how wise of Amanda to have figured that out in her early 20s.

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What a treasure of a piece today, Janice. As you might guess, I can relate. Being a widow brings on whole rafts of emotions I wasn't prepared for, including happiness! There are times when I wake up happy and I think I shouldn't, and then I remember times with Ed when we were both happy and it seems okay.

Amanda's words here really resonated:

"It was a sadness brimming with energy beneath the surface because I was alive with myself and my sanity, and the freeing feeling of seeing reality clearly, however sad that reality was."

And so did yours:

"Dan asked me to marry him on March 26th, 63 years ago. We built a life together, and I’ve agonized over how to make my life worthwhile without him. Having a new passion and purpose - that includes him in a way - is undoubtedly part of the equation, but how do I get through the day?"

We both had fulfilling marriages, which, to some, should make this even sadder, but I think it's just the opposite. I think so many years of good memories has a tendency to drown out some of the grief. As I'm remembering, I can't help but smile. Sometimes through tears, but they're healing tears.

Ever onward, dear friend, every onward.

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Hi Ramona, That is the gift that shines through the grief - the fulfilling marriage. Like you and Ed, we married young. We grew up and old together. So many special memories to draw from and be grateful for - definitely some through tears. Thank you.

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