32 Comments

This one speaks to my people pleasing heart.

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I appreciate being in such good company. Thanks, Roe.

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Have been there so many times Betsy... With this people pleasing job that I have had all my life it seems I know what you're talking about.... And oh the disappointments..... SIGH.....

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Can we go with the "safety in numbers" rule on this? Thank you for empathizing, Barry. I know you know.

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All of us humans get lost sometimes, I am sure your inner compass will have you back on track before long. Thanks for sharing.

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Thank you, Mary. That's an encouraging thought, and timely. I appreciate your confidence.

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Keeping the caterpillars was A Good Idea.

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A happy accident, I suppose. One is now in chrysalis form, the other just hours away from the same. It's been a long time since I took part in this magical transformation. I'm sure you are right. Thanks, June.

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Lovely daughters go like lovely caterpillars. They find themselves in a tight, dark place, turn inwards, and come out flying. Love to you and them. ♥️

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Well, gosh, isn't that the sweetest thought! I appreciate you, Angela.

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Beautiful reflections on writing ... on the public showing up we keep doing.

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For some of us, that public showing up might be the hardest part about all of this. I'm so glad you understand, Amy! Thank you.

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right there with you! Tom

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Hugs of understanding, Tom, and of encouragement.

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Love this as a fellow sensitive idealist! It's not an easy way to be, but what can you do if that's you? Glad your daughters are doing okay, and I hope you are, too.

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All is well, Rosana, and thank you for asking. Though I am surrounded by many who seem thicker-skinned than I, I know there are plenty like us, too. Perhaps just slightly harder to discover in the crowds. It's good to "see" you!

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People pleasers unite! (But only if you want to, of course.)

I can't tell you how much I love this. I could highlight every paragraph, it speaks so loudly to me, but this is about you, and you get to be on center stage.

And you deserve it.

Bravo!

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It delights me to know that this piece resonates for you, Ramona. Were in not for comments like these, and a few scattered in among your posts, I might have mistaken your bold opinions for an outsized level of self-assurance. Oh, and for heaven's sake, you are welcome to share any stage with me. It would be a blast!

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Wouldn't it, though? But I have to laugh at 'outsized level of self-assurance' LOL. I wish!

Maybe it just looks like it because I've been at this for so long. Believe me, I'm more a bundle of self-doubt. If anything, I'm trying to keep other writers from being the same. 😏

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Lovely thoughts, as always. I cherish your words, friend!

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Cherish -- there's a story there for sure. My sincere gratitude, Debra.

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Thank you for this beautiful writing post!!

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I'm so happy to have an opportunity to reconnect with you, Erica, by sharing similar creative energies. Thanks for the comment!

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❤️

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Hope all is well in your world, Vicki.

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Life really is so deflating sometimes, isn't it?

And I wonder if a lot of it is because of hearts on sleeves. Maybe that's why a Shimmer List is a good thing - so that in the flat periods we can turn to an instruction list of sorts.

But Elizabeth, we are either born to be people pleasers or we aren't. You are and that empathy is the gilding in your writing. Always glistening...

As to your caterpillars: oh-my-gosh! They are beautiful!!

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I've never been much of a list maker, Prue, preferring to pull those strands out of my head as needed. But, I think you are exactly right about it being a useful tool for reminding me where to look for the light. I imagine there will be a follow-up piece on the caterpillars and their coming metamorphosis. A miraculous transformation, for sure.

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A metaphor for life?

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Thank you! This is so completely relatable at many levels. And you still had me laughing out loud at “ another f@cking growth opportunity!”

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In certain circumstances, laughter is the only thing I can come up with to “do.” Appreciate the comment, Cynthia, and knowing that you found connection. Take care!

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Yeah. ::sigh:: ::hugs::

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You know. ❤️

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