35 Comments
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Lynda Beth Unkeless, J. D.'s avatar

Thank you!

This is all so true!

Surviving two brain tumors

and then

publishing two books

taught me that life is precious

no matter what the circumstances.🙏

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

So true, right Lynda! And, wow, what a journey you've been on. Life, in all it's states, is indeed, precious.

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Emily Parcell's avatar

This reminded me of when I first started reading Thich Nhat Hanh and his very simple mantra “I am enough.”

No one had ever told me I was enough.

It broke me open.

No matter who you are, where you are, what you’re going through, what you have (or don’t have)…you are enough.

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Love Thich Nhat Hanh and also this mantra, Emily. Thanks for sharing it.

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Heather Nielsen's avatar

Beautiful. True. I emerged from a dark winter of discontent in which I gave myself permission to fall apart a bit and withdraw as much as possible. The spring has felt more energizing I’m guessing bc of the allowance of hibernation.

I appreciate your words and the reminder of worthiness, regardless of productivity or positivity! 🙏

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

It is so interesting, Heather, how we need to give ourselves this permission. Like it's not just an ordinary and necessary part of this whole humaning thing. So glad the spring has brought more lightness.

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Heather Hoskison's avatar

I spent the firlst 45 years of my existence focused outward on other people while silently (or not so much) suffering inward. Then I got really sick. I felt guilty for neglecting everyone else, but was too busy saving my own life. What makes this article relevant, is coming out the other side. I should feel better by now but still need to protect my energy levels. I'm not capable if what I used to be capable of, will people understand that? Do I understand that? Sigh. Thanks for this gentle hug. 🥴🧡

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

It seems the body always knows, and keeps up honest, Heather. I've shared in that "body telling me it's time to change" experience so many times in my own way. Glad you're coming out the other side, and protecting your peace along the way.

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Jenny Cooke's avatar

I like Chris Guillebeau’s motto for times like this: make something or help someone! I often go for the former, or I choose something small (a smile, a door held open, a chat in the kitchen making tea)

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Always love Chris' wisdom, Jenny. Thanks for adding that in!

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Ruth Feldman's avatar

Wow! I needed that … thank you. This is a keeper! ✌🏼

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

So glad, Ruth. I revisit the basic idea fairly regularly as a reminded, myself.

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Jason Spatola's avatar

My reading here and now writing on here is bringing me out of my shell of negative thoughts.

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Dawn Roe's avatar

I love this-" I tend to write from the scar, not the wound." I think the hindsight helps alleviate some of the potential victim-y-ish places I can unintentionally go if I'm writing from the wound which I do choose on occasion. This whole article is a great reminder that our value is not hinged on the things we often equate it with-thanks Jonathan!!

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

I try to write from that place, but don't always succeed, Dawn. In part, because I don't always know when I've crossed from one to the other. C'est la vie!

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Linda Nueva's avatar

I have been a bit hesitant to post comment given what looks to be a plethora of trolls following me.

However, this article, particularly the final paragraph, resonated deeply.

I allowed it to sink in, thank you thank you

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

So glad it resonated, Linda.

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Danni Levy's avatar

I am in a period of I don't knows (huge and plenty of them). Years ago, I would have felt like a wreck and been a wreck because of it. No more. I know my worth even during these times. We can learn to love ourselves and hold on to our sense of worth through everything. Thank you. Love this.

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

I feel that, Danni. Love how you now know and stand in your worth now.

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Liz West's avatar

So wise

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Thanks, Liz!

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Sharon's avatar

Thank you!

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Anytime, Sharon.

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Jason Spatola's avatar

As usual. You're writing resonates with me today and where I am at in the journey. I'm 3 weeks in now on getting out of the morasse of negative thoughts. Things are raw and fresh nowadays and I try to maintain my tenacious grip on the positive.

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

So glad it resonated, Jason. I think "raw and fresh" is becoming a bit of a perpetual state for so many of us. It's a daily practice to keep coming back to something inside us that feels like home.

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Jackie Lea Shelley 🐹🦖's avatar

Ohhh hi Jonathan!! I’m so happy to find you here!! 🫶🏼

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Woooohooo!!!

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Samantha G 🌻's avatar

Been going through it for months now, felt wrecked, like I should be hung out to dry, wondering if the other side is still there, this gives me hope! Thank you for sharing from the other side Jonathan 🙏

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

You're not alone, Samantha. We all have those moments and seasons. Wishing you ease and self-compassion.

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Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

Feeling wounded, wrecked,

does not reflect worthlessness.

We can heal, love, serve.

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

As always, Marisol, few words, deep meaning.

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