Feedback of The Gap Year by subscribers
Here is some feedback I’ve received on “The Gap Year” these past few months. I always appreciate hearing the reflections of others, and I’m guessing you do too. —Tricia
Reflection: Letting Go
Tricia, Thank you so much for the nudge. I can part with most gathered items but the biggest challenge is finding the appropriate home for them. I absolutely hate contributing to the thousands of acres of garbage created in this country. When I lived in Pittsburgh it was fairly easy to find homes for the treasures I outgrew but now that I have moved back home it can be difficult to identify appropriate places that will appreciate them for what they are. I have a stand that I bought during your sale and it has been very useful. As an added bonus I think of you whenever I pass it. Looking forward to your next post - and please send my regards to your amazing mother! —J
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Downsizing has become my middle name, for the good or for the bad. — F
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This is so very true. I don't often comment but I have loved the way you are documenting the journey you are on as your life changes. I went through period of several close losses with my parents and other close relatives and each time had to clean out a home of many years. There is so much to learn about ourselves through that process. Sending love. — A
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Tricia, Your "Reflection #18" resonates with me as, without being intentional, renewing and supportive and fulfilling relationships have allowed me to say (with honesty) that with very few exceptions, every day has been Good! (And most I've enjoyed....have 'had fun')
Yes, at times there have been sadness and loss (for the moment)...and some days have brought pain (with x-rays to prove it)....but Life is worth the living!!!
You've no doubt realized decades ago that the two words that (more or less) describe me are: "Fantasy & Denial". I continue to believe and practice that the two "N-words" determine much of who we are: "Nature & Nurture". But the real key for me has been both the understanding and practice of 'PSYCHO-SOMATIC' determinants of who we are....how we are....and where we are. Within this dyad the spiritual roots are nurtured.
I do hope all is well with you....enjoying these 'retirement years'....and continuing to find new and exciting moments each day to bring smiles, laughter, hope and life!!! —D
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Trish. We are becoming a new self, with new responsibilities and new identity. Letting go of the past is somewhat painful because it defined me in ways I didn't recognize. Retirement has meant giving up much of that identity in favor of shaping a new way of seeing myself. — R
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Dear Tricia, Again.....powerful....and on target...especially those of us who are/were in formal ministry.For some reasons (good and questionable) I've seldom to never initially identified myself as "Clergy....Minister...Pastor" (and definitely NEVER as "Reverend or Preacher") simply because: 1) When I look in the mirror I see myself. 2) my life was far, far more involved in the life of the world than simply an ordained minister. 3) Once people hear the descriptive 'religious terms' it radically changes both perception and conversation.
Out of a normal 70 to 80 hour week at the very least my time, talent, effort, focus was decidedly Social Gospel/Community Development! And I have consistently defined 'who i am' from beginning to end in that area of life-calling that can be measured in the lives helped (D&A/post-military issues), social structures built, political and legal involvement.
Guess this is why many could never understand why I'm "Always Enjoying Life and People". But, when I was at my best, I believe it was 'Wesleyan"...and the reason why I entered ministry. But....I'm guessing....you know/realize all of this. — D
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Hi Tricia! Over these past months I've enjoyed (and benefited from) each one. In a (somewhat selfish)way....they have kept my mind and spirit connected to the author!🤗 You continue to live your life outward toward others in a most creative and powerful way.Keep up the Good Life. —D
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Setting boundaries became important for me in dealing with different types of people. Good reminders, questions here.—F