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Janice Walton's avatar

Every perceived failure is an opportunity to adapt and change the way we do things, leading to a better result in the future.

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David James Barnard's avatar

For years, I volunteered as kitchen help at a center to help young people with homelessness, joblessness, and other problems. That is, until I began to be unable to do so regularly. So I gracefully retired. This was right for me as well as for the facility, as I wasn't dependable. I did my best and, when my best couldn't get the job done, I let the rest of the world take over that one thing. I feel good about it and have no regrets.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi David, that sounds like a job well done in all regards. I love the sentence "and let the rest of the world take over that one thing."

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Cyndi Kane's avatar

I appreciate your insightful, factual, and gentle posts - thank you!

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Cyndi, Thanks so much.

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Sylvia Chard's avatar

This is an excellent reminder that we have many choices every day that can influence how we think about our lives. I am getting off the couch NOW to let my chickens out, instead of asking myself if they would be OK a few more hours before I feel compelled to do it!

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Janice Walton's avatar

Sylvia, What a great example.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I loved those words of Edison. Thank you for sharing them. Also these: "I’m better served to focus on lessons learned rather than errors made." There are two ways to look at everything. I have learned to stop and "look for the good". It is all learning, isn; it, Janice? Thanks for the uplift! ( And I recognize the location of that photo!)

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Sharron, I hadn't heard that saying before, but it certainly fits. I bet you do - recognize the location. I haven't been there for years, but what a beautiful, inspirational place -without the people that is.

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Erika Andersen's avatar

Janice - This is so helpful. The core idea - that we have choice in every moment - is especially true and powerful, given that one of the core evils of ageism is its assumption that older people don't or shouldn't have agency in their own lives. Even though your post is gentle, it strikes a wonderful blow for independence and self-initiative. Thanks!

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

Shaping our lives=adapting.

You've got it!

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Ms. Writer's avatar

This old dog is quite inspired by your post. Of course, she'd also like that butterscotch sundae with the whipped cream and cherry...oy vey!

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Patti Petersen's avatar

I'm having to make brutal choices right now. Everything Carl did is now my responsibility. The days are long and slow. And yet each X I mark off on my calendar denotes the time is racing by.

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Janice Walton's avatar

To have your husband's death come with no warning can feel as if you are wearing the weight of the world on your shoulders.

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Patti Petersen's avatar

Yes. It does.

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Donna McArthur's avatar

It's amazing how we can use our body to change our thoughts and feelings. Even if we can't move a lot there are other ways we can elevate our energy physically that will shift the rest. I love the reminder that we have choices, thanks Janice.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Donna, I also find it to be a good reminder of the mind-body connection and how they so closely interact with each other. If we let them, that is.

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