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lee davy's avatar

Twice this week people i care about have lost it completely when dealing with other humans. Each time Ive counselled keeping their powder dry until the metaphorical storm cloud passes so they don’t strike people with their lightning.

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Bernadette Jiwa's avatar

It's a tough line to walk, Lee, when you see people you love hurting for the want of a pause.

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Virginia Heslinga's avatar

You did well in readjusting your attitude. I have just finished reading Every Shade of Love, and when I gave a short description to my husband, he decided to read it too. The characters, settings, and clash of cultures move the family stories along and add to the attraction of the love story. Thank you for having a clear view of what your work can accomplish and for not letting the rejection change your story.

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Bernadette Jiwa's avatar

Thank YOU for reading, Virginia. I'm over the moon to hear your husband is reading the book too.

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Hisham Jaafari's avatar

I truly like and respect your style of writing.

You have special thinking and writing talents, which in my opinion have been adapted to suit every situation. I am going to acquire your book, because my story started in Dublin too.

Enjoy your day.

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Bernadette Jiwa's avatar

Thanks for your kind words, Hisham. Do you still live in Dublin?

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Hisham Jaafari's avatar

You are most welcome. No, I do not live in Dublin.

I live in the U.K. with family and friends' connections in Diblin, family roots in Balhadreen, and my love to the natural beauty of Donegal. I wish you a lovely day.

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Collis Harris's avatar

Hello Bernadette, I liked the way you told your story: the blend of third person, second and first person to create that message and a good feeling. Thank you.

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Bernadette Jiwa's avatar

Thanks for being here and taking the time to read and comment, Collis.

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Katy Dalgleish's avatar

RESPONSIBILITY:

We have the ability to respond any way we choose.

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Rumi Tsuchihashi's avatar

"I would not be typing these words to you right now if I hadn’t learned how to respond to the bad weather of the market, the opinions of others and my own limitations." I will be reflecting on this insight for a long time, Bernadette. I feel like you put a spotlight on something I, too, am learning but wasn't aware of.

By the way, I came across Dr. Dan Siegel's work and his "flip the lid" demonstration when my children were under five. That visual saved me from overreacting so many times. His co-authored book Parenting from the Inside Out speaks so much to the point you make at the end: The stories that matter most are the stories we tell ourselves.

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Bernadette Jiwa's avatar

I'm so glad you're here, Rumi and still standing by your stories whatever the weather.

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Kellie O'Connor's avatar

Thanks for this beautifully written reminder of something so important. Many of us don’t try because the possibility of rejection is so scary.

This really spoke to me, “… and our own limitations.”

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Bernadette Jiwa's avatar

I'm so glad this one was for you, Kellie.

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Ken M's avatar

So true!

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Michael Kennedy's avatar

I love this!

It reminds me of a phrase often used by pilots: “It’s clear on top.”

Imagine you’re taking off around noon on a commercial jet from Sydney airport. Visibility is

around zero. The rain is streaking horizontally across your window as your jet accelerates down the runway.

As you lift off, you’re bouncing in your seat from the turbulence.

But as you ascend through the “soup,” you suddenly feel like you’re floating.

You’re above the weather… in

clear blue skies.

So, as you sit in your window seat eating stale crackers and peanuts, remember no matter

what the weather is like down there, it’s clear on top.

No matter how turbulent your day seems to be, you can get through it better with a “clear on top” mindset.

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Bernadette Jiwa's avatar

Beautifully told, Michael. Thank you.

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