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Sandy Shaller's avatar

C.J. I loved your article and the truth of how the various stages of life affect us as we pass through them. I'm in the last stage, and sometimes in the wee small hours of the morning, it frightens the hell out of me. But, when that happens, I get the hell out of bed and start doing something. Usually, in the early morning, I love to walk and read. Almost immediately, the bad mood goes away, because I'm occupied. Then, like you, I write and I write at a Barnes in Noble with my wife, where I'm surrounded by a community of friends and more beloved books. I'm also actively involved in politics through INDIVISIBLE and since I'm working in one of their subgroups that keeps me busy. We can prevent the inevitable, but as long as we have our health (or what's left of it. LOL) we have to keep occupied. When I was 12 and read Bradbury's brilliant DANDELION WINE, I learned the importane of being AWARE, and I am and hope to do so until....

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Hello Sandy. Thank you for your positive support and your thoughts about the stages we pass through. Like you, I am in the last stage and I have accepted that. Yes, writing is a wonderful tool to share with others about this journey we’re on. We can help so many hearts to understand … and also help support each other when the going gets rough.

Thank you, Sandy!

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Wen's avatar

Hi Catherine, I’m not your age quite yet but I’m acutely aware of the present AND I’m closely monitoring not taking time for granted every single day. I plan to continue to live a full life and be in check with how I treasure time I have left. Thank you for the reminder🩷

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C.J. Heck's avatar

I love your comments, Wen. I’m so glad the post resonated with you and I’m sure you will live a great full life.

love

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Deb Nance's avatar

Of course! Life teaches you. You live and learn and adjust your opinions as you go.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

You’re very perceptive, Deb. That’s exactly right.

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Dave Karpowicz's avatar

CJ Each stage leads and yields to the next. D

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C.J. Heck's avatar

I hadn’t noticed that —you’re very perceptive, Dave, thank you!

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Sandy Shaller's avatar

I'm here in California, but I am happy to be a support and receptive ear.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

We're all here for each other, be it for support, to compare notes, be a good listener, or just to lend a shoulder for comfort. Thank you most sincerely, Sandy.

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Valerie Nettles's avatar

I will soon be 73 and I keep looking around and wondering how the fork ‘that all happened’ so blinkin quick! I like your pact! Today is all we have. I need to get my head into that space.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Hello Valerie. When we get to the point of realizing today is all we have and make that pact, our head is already in that space. You have arrived, sweet friend.

It does pass by quickly! It happens in a blink … thank you!

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Jo-Ann Petrarca's avatar

I feel like I’ve been living in the “NOW” forever. Being born an old soul, I’ve weathered many experiences at a young age. Thank you CJ, a great read.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Hello Jo-Ann. It’s always good to hear from you, one old soul to another. Thank you for your thoughts.

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Jo-Ann Petrarca's avatar

😁

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Ken Macko's avatar

You’re on target with the mortality issue, but I think that age starts at 60, not 65. Maybe because I was younger when people started disappearing, the idea of mortality and how many days are left crept in sooner. Yet, getting through the night and waking up each morning is reason enough for thankfulness and appreciation. Today truly is the first day of the rest of your life.

Life, live it. Don’t think about it or it may slip away.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Ken, as always, you are very intuitive. You have a good view on life and you live it well. Thank you for always being so supportive and kind.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Robert Cosmar, thank you for restacking my post.💋💋💋

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Thank you for restacking this post, Kevin Nash.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Thank you for the restack, Charlotte Pendragon.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Harley King, thank you for restacking this post.

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