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Last week I watched an extremely inspiring video, which I discovered at Gala Darling.

The video was entitled, Rethinking the Bucket List, with guest speaker Kathleen Taylor, who is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for a nonprofit hospice organization.

Being someone who has worked as a volunteer for hospice, as well as offered my services as a Reflexologist and Reiki practitioner to an organization that provided alternative therapy to those infected with HIV, Kathleen’s video reminded me again why I find being around those who are dying or seriously ill with a life-threatening illness, such a beautifully sobering experience.

I once had an interaction with an elderly patient at hospice, who had only a few months to live. And while I was talking with her, she said to me, "Ron, do you know what I'm going to miss after I die? Looking at trees and flowers and grass. So I've decided that I'm not going to die until I get my fill of them. And then I'll die. But I'm going to miss all the beautiful things to look at on this earth."

Up until that point, I can honestly say that I had taken trees and flowers and grass for granted.

As I have shared in past posts, in as much as it can be very emotional, I don’t find it at all depressing to be in the presence of individuals who are in their final chapter of life. Because what these individuals have taught me about living through dying has been transformational.

I think the main thing about Kathleen’s video that touched me the most, was when she spoke of how we are forever asking ourselves the frustrating question, “What am I supposed to be doing with my life?”

Kathleen suggested that perhaps the better question we should be asking ourselves is, “Who am I being with my life?”

“Doing and being intersect, but being comes first because if you’re being who you are, then doing will just naturally flow.”

And I think she’s absolutely correct. Many of us spend our lives DOING; usually trying to emulate or please others, believing that everyone else has the answers and solutions. We’re so busy doing, doing, doing, yet often forget to notice if we’re being authentic to ourself.

According to research being done at hospice, one of the biggest regrets that dying people have is…

“I wish I‘d had the courage to live a life true to myself, and not the life that others expected of me.”

Kathleen concluded her talk with an exquisite analogy, which I have to share with you.

“If we’re all collectively one symphony, then we’re all as individuals different notes. And every single note is important in creating the whole symphony.”

So I say to you, as I say to myself…

BE your own note. Because you're greatly needed to compose the symphony.


*If you have some time this week, please take a moment to watch this video. It will LIFT you, I promise.

47 comments:

  1. My daughter's goal is to be a hospice nurse someday. She would start tomorrow, but she needs to gain some more experience as an RN first. It is something I couldn't handle, so I am very impressed that you have been a hospice volunteer, Ron......I get teary eyed just reading the obits!

    I don't often give a lot of thought to living and dying, to be perfectly honest with you. Most days, I just feel as though it's all I can do to get the activities of daily living completed. I think that's what I love most about summer.....I can be outside and enjoy nature, plus not have to worry about kids and school issues. Being a mom does make it difficult to not be in 'doing' mode 24/7.

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  2. good morning, ron. unlike you, i find being around people who are dying depressing. it's unnatural in a way, at least according to knowledge, but we all have to face it. it's sad to me, life is such an amazing gift. it's a miracle, really so to have that taken away makes me sad. i guess it can be a blessing as the same time for the suffering.

    love this: But I'm going to miss all the beautiful things to look at on this earth."


    you know i'm a person who loves and praises sight. the ability to see overwhelms me with a heart of thankfulness at times. we didn't have to be created to see in color, but we do and it brings an abundance of joy to me when i look at the earth we live on, it's like: wow!



    i never understood people who say they're bored. makes me want to ask, "have you not seen?" go the H outside. lol

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  3. As I've got older and realised that I am not immortal after all, I make sure I enjoy each day and the all the beauty this wonderful earth has to offer. I feel very lucky. :)

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  4. Makes me proud to know you--what a honour to get to spend time with those who are dying. Now, I know that's either something you're passionate about, or something you steer away from. Death and dying situations aren't necessarily 'easy' situations for some folks to enter into, despite none of us being immune to them happening in our lives.
    Every day I (virtually) check on Bill--he's been a part of my life for quite a few years, and that's been a blessing. And yes, he's dying. There are a lot of questions, support and tugs on the heart--and there's a lot of laughter, joy and awakenings. He's been a note in the symphony of my life for years now (and I'm beyond grateful). And while I know the 'deal', there's still that bit of me that struggles. That's one person. When I imagine doing that with numbers of others, it becomes emotional overload. I have only the highest regard for those who do hospice.


    I like how the gal framed this and I will watch the video at another time. That struggle to BE who you ARE, to express yourself only through those things which you truly hold as your own ideals/values/beliefs--it's a simple process but notsomuch easy. If it's not what you WANT in your life, if it's not what speaks of who you ARE--don't do it.
    LOL I keep trying--and son of a gun...it ain't easy--and I'm not spineless creature that caves at a whim to the 'norms' of society and the ideas of someone standing next to me. It ain't easy. But for me, it's that simple. (keep in mind I have to KEEP things that simple, or I complicate the byjeepers outta 'em and convince myself TOO HARD....and dont' chase it..*sigh*)
    I know BEING and DOING are attached--and I do know it gets easier as I get more centered in the truth about who I truly AM....but boy howdy!!! Getting and staying in that mode of operating--takes effort and vigilance on my part.
    Gotta believe that sorta lifts like the fog when the sun shines on it.
    LOL It does--right? ;-)

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  5. Wow! Thank you for this post. It's really resonating with me right now. I completely agree with you and her about being versus doing. I just had not thought about it that way before. I've made a very conscious decision the last few months to be as true to myself as possible whenever possible. The doing has out flowed from that. I'll be interested to see how it goes.

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  6. God, Ron this is such a beautiful, inspirational post. I'm struggling with what I want to do with my life right now and this has given me new insight as to what is really important.

    "Many of us spend our lives DOING; usually trying to emulate or please others, believing that everyone else has the answers and solutions. We’re so busy doing, doing, doing, yet often forget to notice if we’re being authentic to ourself."

    This is so true. If we're not careful, we can lose control of our lives and wind up living someone one's plan. I commend you for your volunteer hospice work. It's great that you would give up your free time to comfort those who are not long for this world. Great post, buddy, and a great sentiment.

    Thanks so much and do take care!

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  7. Ron, I watched the video and I have to say thank you for providing the link. Kathleen Taylor used several expressions that reached into me... one was the preciousness of time. All I have to do now is find out who I am and not wait until the last chapter. I once had the notion that I would like to work in a hospice but I know I would be hyper-emotional. Oh boy I have a lot to think about. Bless you and Happy Monday x

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  8. Good morning Valerie~

    You are so welcome :)

    So glad to hear that you watched the video and enjoyed it. Isn't it an AWESOME talk? I watched it like TEN times already and keep getting something new out of it each time.

    " I once had the notion that I would like to work in a hospice but I know I would be hyper-emotional."

    Yes, it is very emotional, you're right. I started working with hospice right after my father passed away in 1993 because they were SO good to him, that I wanted to volunteer and give back. But honestly, hospice gave me more than I gave them because what I learned was transformational.



    Thank you for stopping by, dear lady. Have a lovely week!

    X

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  9. Hey there Rob~

    Thank you :) I was so utterly inspired by Kathleen's talk on Ted, that it caused me to reflect and share this post.

    "If we're not careful, we can lose control of our lives and wind up living someone one's plan."

    Exactly! It's one thing to observe how someone else lives their life and learn something from it. But it's another thing to try and emulate the exact journey they take because we are each different. Therefore, our journey's will be different.

    " I commend you for your volunteer hospice work. It's great that you would give up your free time to comfort those who are not long for this world."



    I haven't volunteered in some time now, but I would really like to get back into doing it because what I learned from working with hospice was transformational. It felt as though they were give me more than I was giving them because it altered my perception on HOW to live before I die.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrreat week!

    X

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  10. Hiya Jen~

    You are so welcome :) After watching and listening to Kathleen speak on TED last week, I was very moved and inspired to share her voice. Yes, it resonated with me as well.

    " I've made a very conscious decision the last few months to be as true to myself as possible whenever possible. The doing has out flowed from that. I'll be interested to see how it goes."

    *clapping*

    You GO, girl!!!!! Isn't it something how when we stay true/authentic to ourself, things seem to fall into place? But when we try to do what we think others want, we flounder.



    Thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a super week!


    X

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  11. Good morning Pearl!

    "As I've got older and realised that I am not immortal after all, I make sure I enjoy each day and the all the beauty this wonderful earth has to offer. I feel very lucky. :)"



    GOOD FOR YOU!!!! And yes, you are very lucky.


    We all are, we just sometimes don't notice it.


    Thank you for stopping by, m'dear. Hope you had a lovely Easter and trip. Can't wait to read all about it this week!

    X

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  12. Good morning Bijoux~

    "My daughter's goal is to be a hospice nurse someday."

    Yes! I remember you sharing something about that on your blog last year and I think it AWESOME!!!! One of my cousins is a nurse at a hospice in Florida and she truly loves her work.

    "I don't often give a lot of thought to living and dying, to be perfectly honest with you."

    Honestly? I never did either until my father passed away in 1993. It was then that I started to think/feel a lot about life and death. That's when I got interested in volunteering with hospice. I was always afraid of talking about or facing the reality of death, but working with hospice caused me to embrace not only death, but life as well.

    "Being a mom does make it difficult to not be in 'doing' mode 24/7."



    Yes, but I'm sure you're DOING what you love (being a mom). So, that's all that matters.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an excellent week!

    X

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  13. Gooood morning V Girl!

    " it's sad to me, life is such an amazing gift. it's a miracle really, so to have that taken away makes me sad. i guess it can be a blessing as the same time for the suffering."

    Yes, I hear ya, it is sad. And I WAS sad when my mother passed away. But it was also one of the most beautiful experiences I had because I could see through her amazing ability to embrace death, it made her transition so peaceful and beautiful. My mother taught me a lot through the way she died.

    "you know i'm a person who loves and praises sight. the ability to see overwhelms me with a heart of thankfulness at times. we didn't have to be created to see in color, but we do and it brings an abundance of joy to me when i look at the earth we live on, it's like: wow and thank you."

    I LOVE how you shared that!!!!!!!

    "i never understood people who say they're bored. makes me want to ask, "have you not seen?" go the H outside. lol"



    THANK YOU. I totally agree!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by and sharing on this post, girl. Have a beautiful week!


    X

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  14. Hiya Mel~

    " Now, I know that's either something you're passionate about, or something you steer away from. Death and dying situations aren't necessarily 'easy' situations for some folks to enter into, despite none of us being immune to them happening in our lives."

    You're right, it's either something your passionate about, or something you steer away from. I think when I went through the passing of my father back in 1993, that's when I felt a calling to do this kind of volunteer work. In as sad and emotional as it was, I discovered the beauty in it. Up until that point, I was PETRIFIED to even think of death because of how my biological mother died and not having closure. Walking through my fathers death, was like having closure on my mothers death. Thus, it transformed something inside me to look at death square in the face and embrace it. Also, with the recent passing of my mother, she too taught me a lot about death.

    " That struggle to BE who you ARE, to express yourself only through those things which you truly hold as your own ideals/values/beliefs--it's a simple process but notsomuch easy. If it's not what you WANT in your life, if it's not what speaks of who you ARE--don't do it. "

    Exactly, Mel!

    "I know BEING and DOING are attached--and I do know it gets easier as I get more centered in the truth about who I truly AM....but boy howdy!!! Getting and staying in that mode of operating--takes effort and vigilance on my part."

    You're right, it does effort on our part. But it's when I listen to speakers such as Kathleen, who's life vocation is to be with those who are dying, it's such a great reminder about being and doing.

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear lady. Wishing you an excellent week!

    ((((((( You )))))))

    X

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  15. Thank you for posing the question of "who am I being?" as I'm usually focusing on what I am doing. This will be a new and exciting challenge for me. Thanks again, Ron.

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  16. Ron, I am so grateful that you shared this post today because I'm going through something in my life right now, which pertains a lot to this topic. I find myself always doing and trying a different approach to what I think I want to do with my life, but I've never really taken the time to ask myself if want I'm doing is being authentic to myself. I love Kathleen's analogy to life as a symphony, and that each one of use being a 'note!'


    Tonight when I get home from work, I will watch the video you recommended because it sounds like something I need to hear.


    Thank you very much for sharing this. Have a wonderful week, Ron.

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  17. Hiya Suzi!

    " as I'm usually focusing on what I am doing."

    I believe MANY of us do the same thing. I know "I" do.

    If you get the chance to watch Kathleen's talk on TED, I think you would really enjoy it.

    Much thanks for stopping by, Suzi. Have a super-duper week!

    X

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  18. Hola Denise!

    "I find myself always doing and trying a different approach to what I think I want to do with my life, but I've never really taken the time to ask myself if want I'm doing is being authentic to myself."

    Me too, I do the same thing. And yet, stumbling across this video last week really made me stop and stand back; readjusting my thought process. It's ironic how when you experience death as a vocation, such as Kathleen does, it makes you more aware of how to live LIFE.

    " I love Kathleen's analogy to life as a symphony, and that each one of use being a 'note!'"

    Don't you just LOVE her perspective????

    I think you'll REALLY enjoy her video on TED. I watched it so many times, yet getting something more every time I view it.

    Thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful week!!!

    X

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  19. The video sounds very inspiring, Ron! I agree with the hospice patient who says she'll miss seeing all the beautiful things on earth. I'm a sucker for nature and always enjoy trees, flowers, and grass. I think not letting yourself die until you've had your fill of those things is a great philosophy.

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  20. Wow. I'm speechless, Ron! Between Kathleen's perspective about life being a symphony and each one of us being notes, and your words of such deep passion, I'm sitting here trying to process my thoughts and feelings.

    I do know that being around someone who is dying is life-altering because of what I went through in the passing of my grandmother. I was so sad, but at the same time I was so touched by all the things she shared with me at her bedside. I don't think I ever felt as close to her during her death as I did the whole time she was alive. Afterwards, I felt stronger to live my life without hesitation because I realized how short life is. Yet as time went by, I began to forget. Life got busy again.

    I love Kathleen's words, being versus doing. She's right.

    Thanks sharing this today, Ron. You've given much to reflect on.

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  21. Howdy Mark!

    If you have the time and feel like it, I think you will really enjoy the video. She's an AWESOME speaker!

    "I think not letting yourself die until you've had your fill of those things is a great philosophy."



    Amen!


    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a fantabulous week!


    X to you and Tara!

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  22. Hey ho Robert!

    Isn't Kathleen's take/perspective on life genius? And the thing I loved about her talk on TED was that she spoke so openly and honestly about what she learned through working at hospice and being with those who are dying. And rather than it being sad, I found it uplifting.

    " I was so sad, but at the same time I was so touched by all the things she shared with me at her bedside. I don't think I ever felt as close to her during her death as I did the whole time she was alive. Afterwards, I felt stronger to live my life without hesitation because I realized how short life is. Yet as time went by, I began to forget. Life got busy again."



    It was the same way with the death of my father. He and I were never ultra close as far as communicating goes. However, in the last 9 days of his life, we spoke so openly and freely with one another. I am soooooooo glad we had that time with one another. And you're right, it all stays fresh in our minds for awhile, but then then life gets busy and we forget what we learned.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, bud. And thank you for sharing your own experience in this post.


    Have a super week!

    X

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  23. There are some really great TED talks out there. I did watch this one and enjoyed it. When I was on my internship year, the most rewarding part for me was the morning each week I spent at the VA hospital working with the terminally ill patients. I loved sitting by their beds and helping them process end of life issues. I think it was as powerful for me as for them, and it became one of my specialty areas. I found that people tend to regret what they have not done rather than any mistakes they've made. And the work altered my own view of life and living fully.

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  24. Hey Secret Agent Woman!

    "There are some really great TED talks out there."

    You are sooooooo right! After watching the vid with Kathleen, I spent the next few days going from video to video and loving most all of them. So glad to hear that you enjoyed the one mentioned in this post.

    "the most rewarding part for me was the morning each week I spent at the VA hospital working with the terminally ill patients. I loved sitting by their beds and helping them process end of life issues. I think it was as powerful for me as for them, and it became one of my specialty areas."

    You sound exactly like one of my cousins (and who is also a Libra) who actually is a hospice nurse, and like you....she enjoys helping them process end of life issues. I had feeling that YOU also felt the same way as I do about being with those who are dying. There is something about it that, yes it's emotional, but it's also so beautifully raw and sacred.

    " I found that people tend to regret what they have not done rather than any mistakes they've made. And the work altered my own view of life and living fully."



    Yes, same here.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience on this post topic. You've added MUCH!


    Have a super week!
    X

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  25. Awesome post...and it really hit home for me. Having been to a hospice on many occasions visiting two people I knew who eventually passed away, it's sad to think how easy we waste our lives sitting behind desks doing jobs we'd rather not do if given the opportunity. Instead, I'd be traveling with the wife, playing every day with the kid, seeing friends, camping in the desert, and living life like it was meant to be lived.

    Great...now I'm depressed. Thanks, Ron. ;-)

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  26. Howdy Herman~

    Thank you :) Honestly, I was so utterly inspired by Kathleen's talk on TED, that I felt the need to share this post today.

    "Great...now I'm depressed. Thanks, Ron. ;-)"


    HA! Nooooooooo....don't be depressed because I sincerely believe that you ARE living life like it was met to be lived. You have job that appreciates you, a wonderful wife, an adorable little son, and you express your writing talent on your blog. When I look at you, I see someone who is truly BEING himself, and not just DOING.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, buddy. Hope you had a super Monday. Enjoy your week!


    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  27. Morning Ron. Wanted to let you know that I watched the video clip last night and loved it. I watched it 3x! Thank you.

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  28. Hola Denise!


    Awesome! Soooooo glad to hear you loved it. It's one of those videos that I should watch at least once a month as a HUGE reminder.


    Have a fabulous day!
    X

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  29. Ron, this was extra-good! Her video was uplifting, as you promised, and I think we ALL, if we're open, can take something good from her words. How sad that we've had it all wrong for so long -- thinking that our lives won't be "complete" until we've done X, or Y, or Z -- when what we should have been concentrating on is being the best US we can be. Perhaps that's what the Bible means when it calls us "the body of Christ" and tells us that WE are individually and collectively important, that we were made for a purpose (one that only we can fulfill). Discerning that purpose should be our highest aim, don't you think?



    Thank you for such a day-brightener!!

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  30. Hellooooooooo Debbie!

    So glad to hear you watched the video and enjoyed it :)

    "and I think we ALL, if we're open, can take something good from her words."

    I so agree with ya!

    " -- thinking that our lives won't be "complete" until we've done X, or Y, or Z -- when what we should have been concentrating on is being the best US we can be."

    Exactly. And because we are each a "different note" our paths will always be unique. Yet, the common denominator that we all share is to BE ourselves.

    "Perhaps that's what the Bible means when it calls us "the body of Christ" and tells us that WE are individually and collectively important, that we were made for a purpose (one that only we can fulfill). Discerning that purpose should be our highest aim, don't you think?"

    Excellent point! We are each part of the WHOLE. And yes, I DO think discerning that purpose should be our highest aim.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feeling on this topic, Debbie. You've added MUCH!

    Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

    P.S. what an uplifting spirit you are!

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  31. Wow. Rarely am I speechless, but this really shuts my mouth and makes me consider your words carefully. Your work at the hospice is both inspiring and sobering.

    We’re so busy doing, doing, doing, yet often forget to notice if we’re being authentic to yourself.



    This is so very true! So many times we're too focused on being what others expect us to be that we miss what we're suppose to be! Our purpose in this life will differ with each person's worldview. But we all can agree we have a limited time on this earth in this lifetime. Time to make the most of it. Take care and be well......

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  32. Hello there Lisa!

    It's funny because I haven't given this topic much thought lately, but after watching and listening to Kathleen's talk on TED, it really caused me to pause and reflect. Also, with the passing of my mother back in November, I recall having a conversation with her before she died, on something very similar to this topic. So this post was very therapeutic for me.

    "So many times we're too focused on being what others expect us to be that we miss what we're suppose to be! Our purpose in this life will differ with each person's worldview. But we all can agree we have a limited time on this earth in this lifetime. Time to make the most of it."

    Amen to ALL that you shared, my friend! "Time to make the most of it."

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings on this post. You've added MUCH!

    Hope you're enjoying a fantabulous week!

    X

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  33. I am NOT "being"... I need to BE. This is so needed right now. You are always an inspiration to me. I've been offline for a bit.... guess whose blog was the FIRST I came to now that I am back? XXXOOO!

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  34. Being your own note can be difficult, in life. Society sometimes prevents it. Not so much now days, but certainly when I was younger it did. Women were expected to fit into societies music and only the 'privileged' were able to break out and play their own note.

    I must admit that I never followed others and always tried to be true to myself. Was I able to completely be my own note? I don't think so, but I still wont play the note that isn't me. Even if it means my note can't be heard :)

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  35. Helloooooo Katherine!!!!!

    I think we ALL get that way at times - not BEING. That's why I loved discovering this video clip that Kathleen shared on TED. I was an AWESOME reminder.

    " I've been offline for a bit.... guess whose blog was the FIRST I came to now that I am back?"

    ((((( You )))))))

    Aw...god love ya, woman!!! THANK YOU. And yes, I saw this morning that you had posted, so I will be stopping by your blog to catch up. Can't wait. You've been missed.

    Hope you're having a grrreat week!

    X

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  36. Hey there Babs~

    " Society sometimes prevents it. Not so much now days, but certainly when I was younger it did. Women were expected to fit into societies music and only the 'privileged' were able to break out and play their own note."

    Yes, and even today that's somewhat true when it comes to women. Which is why I am totally supportive to women's rights for equality. And not just for equality, but also for what women contribute to this world AS women. It's gotten better, but not better enough.

    "I must admit that I never followed others and always tried to be true to myself. Was I able to completely be my own note? I don't think so, but I still wont play the note that isn't me. Even if it means my note can't be heard :)"



    You GO, girl! And your note IS heard....X


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Babs, and contributing to this post topic. Hope you're having a great week!


    X to you and Mo!

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  37. Ron, I watched the video last night and you're right, it was uplifting to say the least. Powerful speaker she is! Thank you for sharing it.

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  38. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Robert! I agree...powerful speaker she is. Yet, I loved how humble she spoke at the same time. Thanks for stopping back, bud!

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  39. I'm not able to watch the video right now, not home and don't have headphones for my laptop, but will catch it later. I'm sure it's worth the watch if you are recommending it.
    I worked at a nursing home briefly many, many years ago and I still recall part of that experience. Older people, like the terminal, are living in the last phase of their life and unless you are a cold, heartless person, how can you not be touched in some way by them. Seems I've always gravitated more towards the elderly. As for hospice patients, I do think that I would have a hard time working with them on a regular basis. Maybe it's my fear of death causing that?? lol Well, I'm doing some volunteer work with Reiki, and some of the healing energy requests are for terminal patients or those who are very sick but not all so my weekly cases vary greatly.
    As for the woman you spoke of not dying until she had her fill of what she'd miss most... I think she's now somehow part of trees, flowers and grass. Her energy continuing in the experience of what she loved. I mean, once we're free of a body to confine us, well, we can go and be and do anything. Maybe?? Hopefully! :)


    Nice post, Ron. Some days I try to just BE. Then the phone or door rings, things need 'doing' and it's hard to find the balance. Thank Ye Gods for each day I get the opportunity to experience it all.

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  40. Hiya Mary!

    "I'm not able to watch the video right now, not home and don't have headphones for my laptop, but will catch it later."

    Not a problem. The link will be up forever, so whenever you have the chance you can view it. I think you will REALLY enjoy it.

    "Seems I've always gravitated more towards the elderly."

    Meeee too. I love being around the elderly. Even when I was a kid, I loved hanging out with my grandparents, rather than kids my own age.

    "Well, I'm doing some volunteer work with Reiki, and some of the healing energy requests are for terminal patients or those who are very sick but not all so my weekly cases vary greatly."

    That's AWESOME!! I have found that when I'm sharing Reiki with people who are very ill or terminal, they seemed to be more open to receiving it. The sessions seem to have a very powerful effect on them. Perhaps it's because they just ALLOW it, rather than over-analyzing it with their brain.

    "As for the woman you spoke of not dying until she had her fill of what she'd miss most... I think she's now somehow part of trees, flowers and grass. Her energy continuing in the experience of what she loved. I mean, once we're free of a body to confine us, well, we can go and be and do anything. "

    LOVE what you shared! Beautiful! And you're spot on!!!

    "Some days I try to just BE. Then the phone or door rings, things need 'doing' and it's hard to find the balance. Thank Ye Gods for each day I get the opportunity to experience it all."



    Amen! And I think we ALL struggle with that. I know I do.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and adding your thoughts and feelings to this post. You've added MUCH!


    X

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  41. Ron, I love when you write inspirational posts!

    "Who am I being with my life?"

    That is the best question! And I spent many a year asking myself it. I finally found my answer.

    I have never been a "pleaser" nor have I done things because they were "expected", unless they were my expectations. I also don't emulate anyone else. I'm not a follower. However, I am truthful, so I have to admit that I do a lot of "doing", and it is mostly for others. I'm a caretaker, leaving myself last. (That's why it's taking me so long on my novel!). Knowing that, though, I'm okay with it. I have obligations (my sons) and I need to fulfill those--at least until they're done with school. Then I can lighten up a bit, let loose, and start "doing" for me.

    I do like the idea of being my own note and creating a symphony. I'll have to write that down where I can read it every day!!



    Thanks for sharing!


    ((HUGS))

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  42. Hellooooooooo Pam!

    "I have never been a "pleaser" nor have I done things because they were "expected", unless they were my expectations. I also don't emulate anyone else. I'm not a follower."

    You GO, girl! GOOD. FOR. YOU.!!!!

    "However, I am truthful, so I have to admit that I do a lot of "doing", and it is mostly for others. I'm a caretaker, leaving myself last. (That's why it's taking me so long on my novel!). Knowing that, though, I'm okay with it."

    Yes, and I can totally understand why you're okay with it.

    I think what Kathleen was referring to was not actually 'doing' as in "physically doing". I think she meant it more as in 'doing something against our desires' for the sake of social approval or to duplicate someone else, instead of following our OWN desires. Therefore, I think what YOU'RE doing (being a mother and taking care of your son's) is exactly what you WANT to be doing. So you ARE being true to yourself.

    "I do like the idea of being my own note and creating a symphony. I'll have to write that down where I can read it every day!!"

    Isn't that an AWESOME analogy????

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a fantabulous week!

    (((((( You ))))))

    X

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  43. “Doing and being intersect, but being comes first because if you’re being who you are, then doing will just naturally flow.”



    my dear friend, you said a whole year's worth with this one! So true... have a wonderful weekend, my luv. i hope you have a bit of spring there. :)

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  44. Helloooooooooo Linda!

    "you said a whole year's worth with this one! So true..."

    YES!!!! Wasn't what Kathleen shared SO SPOT ON????

    Her video talk on TED is faaaaaaaaabulous!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a maaaaavelous week.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    xoxoxoxoxox

    P.S. it felt like spring here last week, but this week it feels like more the dead of winter. it's freezing. I bet we get snow again in April.

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  45. Oh Ron!!! What a fabulously inspirational post! Thank you, my darling friend!

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  46. ((((( You ))))))


    And thank YOU, my darling friend for stopping by and reading ALL my posts.


    You're a sweetheart!


    X ya!

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  47. Well, I promised to catch up with everyone! I had to read at least 4-5 posts PER blogger! Took me an entire week!

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