Wednesday, November 27, 2013

It Is Enough


He who knows enough is enough will always have enough. ~Tao Te Ching

Greetings, my friends. In the United States, it is the day before Thanksgiving, a holiday celebrating our blessings. (Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every day was a day of thanksgiving? It can be!)

For me, it is a time not only to reflect on my blessings and enjoy the company of family and friends, but it is also a time to reflect on the year to this point and consider how I want to spend the remainder of it.

A story keeps circling in my mind, one you might already be familiar with, one I’ve passed along several times before.

A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen, holding himself forth as an expert on the topic. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "It's overfull! No more will go in!" the professor blurted. "You are like this cup," the master replied. "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

So it is with me. My cup is overflowing with thoughts, plans, activities, ideas, and, sometimes most of all, words. Strange to say that. I love words. I built a career on words, and always felt so lucky to get paid for having so much fun. No one is more surprised than I have been this year to find myself pulling back from what has for so many decades fed my spirit. And yet....

My one month break from blogging in June stretched to two and then three months. I came back in September, but since I’ve been back, I can sense a change. I have enjoyed reconnecting, but my attention seems elsewhere.

Where? Not in a place, perhaps, but in a process. A process of emptying, releasing. Michelangelo said that when he was sculpting David, he chipped away everything that wasn’t David. I have no claim to a masterpiece, but I do have a sense of allowing everything to fall away that isn’t ... hmm, words fail me. I guess that’s the point.

I have loved writing this blog for over three years. I treasure most of all the connections I have made with so many wonderful people whose paths I would not have otherwise crossed. I have appreciated more than I can say (again words fail me!) the friendship and encouragement I have received from the generous spirits that populate my blog world. And of course the fun! This has indeed been a happy place for me. A very happy place.

I have run out of words, at least for now. Thanksgiving seems like a perfect time to say thank you, and to let this blog take a rest. I would like to spend the rest of this year visiting your blogs to say a personal thank you. I will be by to see you soon.

I’m not closing the site, so if there is something here you would like to revisit, the door is always open and you are always welcome. My book will continue to be for sale, and the proceeds will continue to be donated to Edwards Center. And if you would like to reach me, please don’t hesitate to do so by email or Facebook.

May you all find your happy place, and live there always.

It is enough.

92 comments:

  1. Love you! Be well and let us know where your "next" turns out to be. I have a feeling it is going to be amazing.

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    1. Love you back, Julie! I'm curious myself about what is next. I'll let you know. Thank you.

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  2. Thank you for all your uplifting words and thoughts. I hope your path continues to lead you to joyous places. (like Montana)

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    1. Collin, Perhaps a road trip to Montana is in my future. Who knows? Thank you.

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  3. Thank you, Galen for being such a wonderful blogger and a blog friend. Perhaps one day you will take a new path and journal it for us. Your writing is admired - I am only one who will miss it, but still, I am sincere in my well wishes and cannot be selfish. Go forward with joy and enjoy whatever comes next!
    Hugs,
    GraceinAZ

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    1. Thank you, Pat, for your lovely words and good wishes.

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  4. Well, I have certainly loved reading your blog, of course, but I know we will keep in touch anyway. Enjoy your process, and call anytime! :)

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    1. Jennifer, I know we will keep in touch. Who but you could read my aura?! Thank you.

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  5. I have enjoyed reading your blog tremendously. You have a gift for words. I appreciate your taking the time to share and post your views, thoughts and stories. It does take tremendous effort.

    Wishing you love and abundance always,
    Evelyn

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    1. Thank you, Evelyn, for the kind words and good wishes. I am already blessed with love and abundance.

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  6. Sorry to see you go, happy that you are doing what you need to do for yourself.
    Good luck with all future endeavors where ever that may lead you.

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  7. Blessings and peace to you Galen. I thank you for your insights and encouragement, stories and sharing and all of the goodness from your blog and Facebook page. I will miss it. I wish you the best and hope it won't be too long before you are back with us. Bittersweet wishes!

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    1. Bernadette, I appreciate the kind words and good wishes, even if they are bittersweet. Thank you.

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    2. Oh dear, that doesn't sound right! I meant bittersweet that you are taking what I hope is just an extended break and not leaving us permanently. . .the wishes are indeed sweet, sincere and heartfelt!

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    3. Bernadette, I understood exactly what you meant. It sounded perfect. Thank you.

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  8. First of all, I'm so glad we met and have had a face-to-face with hopefully more to come. Secondly, I understand your decision and support you wholly and completely. Sometimes it's just enough. Time to move on and do something else, or not. I treasure our connection. I'll be emailing from FB about that neat little coffee shop and you!

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    1. Me too, Sherrey. I look forward to more tea and pastries with you! Thank you.

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  9. Thank you for your many enlightening posts. I have learned so much from you. Enjoy your moments; I will miss you. May you have much happiness and blessings to you.

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    1. I'll miss you, too, LeAnn. Thank you for sending me off with such kind words.

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  10. Galen your words will forever be cherished, there are nights where sometimes I felt the studies were too much, I couldn't push forward, nor did I feel the energies I needed... then it would seem I could come for a visit, the world would be so very quiet in the dead of the night and your words would encourage me, they have helped in many more ways than one. You have been a blessing in my life and I have enjoyed traveling with you, sharing and the connection. I will revisit your blog from time to time, thank you for all of your thoughtful inspiring words. I cannot thank you enough Galen, you are an angel sent from above.

    Take good care, and I wish you nothing but the best. Huge virtual hugs sent your way.

    Darlene aka darlin ;-)

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    1. We have traveled a long way with each other, Darlene! Thank you so much for your lovely reflections. I wish you all the best as well. Thank you.

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  11. All the best Galen in your new venture and perhaps someday we'll see you back again. Namaste.

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  12. I shall miss you, but l wish you all the best and an amazing journey onward. I know what you mean about words and getting to a point where they nolonger suffice and one needs quiet. Troubles in life the past years have changed me from a "cup overflowing with words" to a much quieter person. I was thinking it was sad, yet after reading your post l am thinking perhaps it is the contrary. Perhaps l am just emptying my cup to make room for...something new? Thank you and many warm thoughts from Norway, Pam

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    1. Pam, I think my image for the new year will be an empty cup! It is full of promise for both of us. Thank you.

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  13. Betty and I have been blessed to have you become a part of of lives. You are an amazing writer who can pack so much emotion and meaning into just a few words. The blogging world will miss your gentle insights.

    You have enriched our lives beyond measure with your love, intelligence, and deep concern.. We can't wait to find out what you will do next. It is bound to be something very special.

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    1. You already know, Bob, that I treasure our friendship, which has evolved from a cyber one to an in person one, with the bonus of your wonderful wife, Betty. I look forward to your next visit to Portland, and in the meantime, we'll be in touch. Thank you.

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  14. I understand, Galen. I am emailing you. :) Hugs! Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for YOU!

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    1. Thanks, Vidya. I look forward to your email. Love you!

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  15. I have treasured your blogs but I know how hard it is to continue when the well has run dry. Enjoy your time of replenishment!

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  16. How liberating it is when we know when It Is Enough! Enjoy the rest of your Journey and where it will take you.

    Happy Thanksgiving from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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    1. It is liberating in a way. We'll see what happens! Thank you, Dawn.

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  17. Dear Galen,

    I LOVED this, and can feel and resonate so strongly with your words....it is amazing as I am currently pondering yet again, on my own journey and what I am feeling called within to do....and how things may change yet again.

    I am so grateful for your blog because it allowed me to connect with you, and get to know you better. And I discovered an amazing being, so full of love, wisdom and kindness.

    Thank you for all of the beautiful work you have done, and will continue to do.

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    1. You, Evita, have a special spot in my blog life because you are the first and only person who ever convinced me to do a video interview. You were SO sweet and supportive. I loved connecting with you. I hope you will let me know what direction you take next. You are a light bearer in this world. Thank you.

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  18. Great story, and many thanks for all your informational, insightful and inspiring posts. You may go away, but you'll be here with all of us in spirit ... and maybe you'll stop back every once in a while. God bless!

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    1. Tom, I agree that we are all connected, always. Thank you.

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  19. I have so enjoyed your blog, Galen, and will miss you. But I understand the call to move on. I'm grateful that I found your blog and was able to connect with you. Blessings as you go forward, and best wishes for wonderful things to come your way!

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    1. Tina, I'm glad you found it, too. Thanks for your good wishes.

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  20. Your blog is one I have always looked forward to reading whenever you would post. If regular blogs are cake, you are always, for me, the icing, Galen. I will miss you so much! Hope you will continue to visit me at my blog, my friend.
    Love and blessings for the journey ahead!

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    1. You are so sweet, Martha. I have enjoyed the inspiration flowing back and forth between our blogs. Thank you for the kind words and good wishes.

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  21. Simply beautiful. Praying that this is just so long for now (however long that may be) and not goodbye. Sending you loads of love Galen! I still owe you a response on your spiritual warrior question and I haven't forgotten. Will definitely do so. xo

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    1. Vrndavana, I will hold you to that promise of a response I'm waiting for! I have received much wisdom and inspiration at your blog. It enhanced my reading of the Gita this year. Thank you.

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  22. Galen,

    Thank you for touching me with your grace and warm encouragement. Please know that it's not the blogs that connect us - it's the spirit of fellowship. I know we will continue to be friends for many more years to come!

    Be well,

    Alex

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    1. Alex, I love that idea of being connected through the spirit of fellowship. That's lovely. You have been so good to me in so many ways. I look forward to our continued friendship. Thank you.

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  23. Galen,
    I completely understand. Every week when I go to write a post I think, "I have nothing left to say?" You need a break and when you are ready you can come back, perhaps on a monthly basis? There are no rules in blogging.....just what you feel is right for you.
    I will miss you but I know we will keep in touch! Skype/email me anytime dear friend.
    I wish you all the best on your journey.
    Sending you much love,
    Angela

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    1. Angela, I so appreciate your kind words and support. And same here--get in touch anytime.

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  24. I completely understand the words that you have offered to us. Thank you for all your kind words, the amazing kindness and wisdom I always seem to receive right here, or with you on Facebook as well. Often times, the words that you release and as they wander within my thoughts, I have found them so encouraging and also mind changing for me, especially when they match my own thoughts, but when they show me another thought or idea process that is when the light truly works for me. You know I will always be checking your posts and comments. I also find that life or whatever has a way of keeping our words tossing back and forth inside of me. Take good care of you!

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    1. Bless your heart, Karen. Our blogs are so different and yet we have enjoyed each other's blogs for quite awhile now. I love your creative and clever photos. Thank you so much for your kind and generous words.

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  25. If i was going to respond with my own blog post, I'd title it, "Galen, It's not enough" haha (kidding!) I sure am going to miss your writing, wisdom, and weekly inspiration. Your reflections have always been insightful, touching and relevant to some aspect of my life. I know you have to do what feels right for you and you're guided by your strong intuition, but we're all still going to miss you a lot :) I do hope to keep in touch with you and continue to pick your brain for wisdom, insight and practical life advice and suggestions.

    You've impacted my life in a very real and dramatic way Galen - I'll be forever grateful :) for your friendship and mentorship. Thank you for your words and I'm thankful for you!

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    1. Vishnu, I can always count on you for a friendly laugh. I'm so glad that we found each other and I'm confident that we will continue our friendship. I'm here anytime. I'm humbled by your lovely comment. Blessings to you, my friend.

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  26. I'm sorry to hear the news but I know exactly what you're feeling. I've been experiencing the same thing which is why my writing has gone from twice a week at the beginning of the year to struggling with once a month the past couple of months. I love your David analogy - there's something buried that needs to emerge, if we can give it the time and space.

    I'm so grateful for your writings and your support over the past few years. If there's ever anything I can do for you, please let me know.

    Big hugs!!
    Paige

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    1. Paige, I appreciate your kind words and your generous offer. I will certainly take you up on it! Thanks so much.

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  27. Hi Galen,

    This is certainly not good news...but I can SO well understand what you must be going through.

    I took a recent break too from blogging when my Dad was visiting us a few days back and that was the longest break - 15 days of NO blogging. Coming back wasn't easy, so I can understand how it must be being away for that long.

    Yes, we do have our own lives and there is lots more to life than blogging, this again is something I realized during my break too. I guess had I extended my break a little longer, I might have done what you are doing :)

    So, don't worry at all. We all are right here, and perhaps all you need is a good long break to do the things that you want to do first, and later come back to blogging with a bang to share your wisdom with us. Sometimes that helps a great deal. I lessened mine too after that to once a week now, but that again might take a break....I think life is all about the choices we make, isn't it?

    Thanks for sharing this with us, and it's been a pleasure being a part of you. If there is anything any of us can do, please don't hesitate to let us know. You know the doors are always open :)

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    1. Thanks, Harleena. I so appreciate your support and understanding, and the open door.

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  28. I'm sad and happy, Galen. I've always loved your wisdom and insight and eloquence. But I always have to be happy for people when they move in new direction or even stop moving in a particular one. Life is all about choices we make. And sometimes the choices we don't always want others to make are the right choices for them or the right ones for now. Your words have had an impact on people's lives. That will never not be true. The impact will live on no matter what you do or choose not to do here, Galen. That is the power of the words you have shared with us, the thoughts that have inspired us, the challenges that have held a mirror to us, the expressions of joy that have lifted us. Thank you for that, Galen. I wish you the best as you chip away what isn't. But I do have a bone to pick. You're wrong about not having a masterpiece. You are the masterpiece infinitely more profound and inspiring than a block of marble can ever pretend to be.

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    1. You are a great big sweetie, Ken! I remember when you were just building up your blog, and then you took off! It has been great to watch you establish yourself as a star blogger. I admire not only your blog, but also who you are--a masterpiece on both fronts! Thanks so much for your kind and generous words.

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  29. I've known a Heaven, like a Tent –
    To wrap its shining Yards –
    Pluck up its stakes, and disappear –
    Without the sound of Boards
    Or Rip of Nail – Or Carpenter –
    But just the miles of Stare –
    That signalize a Show's Retreat –
    In North America –

    No Trace – no Figment of the Thing
    That dazzled, Yesterday,
    No Ring – no Marvel –
    Men, and Feats –
    Dissolved as utterly –
    As Bird's far Navigation
    Discloses just a Hue –
    A plash of Oars, a Gaiety –
    Then swallowed up, of View.

    ~ Emily Dickinson

    Galen, I have always enjoyed your presence throughout the 'Blog World'.
    May your journey continue with abundant nourishment to the soul...

    Rand

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    1. Thanks, Rand, for sharing this lovely poem. What a wonderful gift. And thank you for the kind words.

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  30. I'm sad to see you say goodbye to your blog, Galen! I have so enjoyed your beautiful writing. I understand that sometimes we need to move on. Your blog has truly been a happy place and I've always enjoyed stopping by. Enjoy your next adventure and hope that you stay in touch. It has been wonderful connecting with you. All the best!

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    1. Thank you, Cathy, for your kind words. I'm so glad we've connected.

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  31. Wishing you miles of smiles for the road ahead.

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  32. Oh Galen, I'm so going to miss your wise words, always filled with love and the spirit of goodness. Being selfish I do hope your new and exciting path of discovery brings you back to us...at some point. Being less selfish, I'm so thrilled and excited for you as you reveal your new masterpiece...still you dear friend, but an expanded and grown soul. You are loved.

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    1. Elle, I don't know where this will lead. Since I've spent so much of my life with words, I wonder if they will come back into my path, but I guess we'll just have to see. Thank you for your support and your friendship, and your very kind words.

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  33. Dear Galen,
    I have really enjoyed and appreciated the company of your blog. I hope you will have time to do something just as meaningful and worthwhile. As you know, we are in a bit of a mess right now; if only some of that wisdom can rub off on those who really need it!

    Best,
    Dennie

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    1. Dennie, I've been following the news in Bangkok. Hope you and your family are safe and that the conflict will be resolved soon. I remember when I lived there that the King put a quick end to a political uprising by bringing the two sides together and basically telling them to play nicely together! And they did! I hope his peaceful influence still has some power. Thanks for your message and your good wishes. We'll stay in touch.

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  34. Best wishes, Galen. These experiments are, in my opinion, always worthwhile. I'm sure you will have other interesting and fulfilling things to fill the free time. Enjoy it.

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    1. Thank you, Jen. You were one of my first blog buddies. Your friendship, encouragement, and advice meant a lot to me in those early days.

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  35. I only discovered you a few months ago, but I have read and reread almost everything on your site. Now to lose you so soon... I wish you much luck in your new path. Your writing has touched me in so many ways. I'm sure you will find new ways to continue to bless others.
    Judy

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    1. Hi, Judy. I'm sorry that we've just "met" and I'm leaving! I appreciate your comment here and on Bob's site as well. I'm humbly honored that my writing has touched you. You might enjoy my book, too. The link is in the right column above. You can get in touch with my by email or FB. I'd love to visit with you anytime.

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  36. Hi Galen,
    I am happy to have gotten to know you since starting my blogging journey. Your blog has always resonated with me and I am glad to hear that you will be keeping your site up even if you won't be updating it.

    Take Care,
    Justin

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Justin, and for your kind words.

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  37. Amazing, Thank you for writing which is quite good and best wishes always, and greetings

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  38. Dear Galen - I have always been in awe of how attuned you are to following the voice of your heart. I know that whatever 'work' you will be doing in the future, will be blessed by your openness and wisdom. Stay you, my friend and know that you will be missed here. ♥

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    1. Corinne, I have been blog buddies with you for a long time! Thanks so much for your kind words and good wishes. And the same to you, my friend.

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  39. Galen: I am sorry to see you leave the blogging world, but I do understand. I have been elsewhere myself these days. In any event, I will keep in touch, and if my wife and I get out there this spring/summer, I will definitely track you down. Be well!

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    1. JJ, I am counting on seeing you and your wife here, so make a plan! I have valued our friendship both on and off the blog, so I do hope we will stay in touch. Y'all are welcome here anytime. Thanks for your good wishes.

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  40. I'm so glad we met here and am grateful for the inspiration you offer. I wish you every joy as you move through your life experience. I am also blogging less than I once did, concentrating on poetry, but am also feeling a change taking place ... life is a wonderful adventure.

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    1. Teresa, I'm glad we met, too! Life is a wonderful adventure indeed. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  41. Hi Galen,

    I'm so grateful for the power of the Internet to connect me to wonderful people, like you, who I perhaps would never had met otherwise.

    Your ten steps for finding a happier place will continue to be powerful even while you take a break from blogging. Each of us must find and honor our own pace.

    Thank you for reminding us that our happier place is within.

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    1. Flora, I'm delighted that you stopped by for a farewell visit. I always felt that our blogs were very sympatico! Thanks for your kind words.

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  42. This comment from Lori Gosselin, who is having trouble posting it:

    Galen! See how many people are going to miss you if you don't visit them at their places?! I admire your courage in stepping away and I hope I still see you on my porch too!
    All the best to you!

    Lori blogs at http://lifeforinstance.com/?__lsa=bf21aa1c

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    1. Thanks, Lori, for your good wishes. It is strange, I admit, not thinking about my next blog post. I'm trying to protect that empty space and not let it fill up too quickly. And yes, let's stay in touch. All the best to you, too, my friend.

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  43. Dear Galen:
    Such a profound and beautiful post. Thank you for all of the wonderful words you have put here- they will continue to have their presence in this world and will continue to touch people. Thank you for all you do. Wishing you all the best. Please stay in touch.

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    1. Thanks, Amy, for the kind words and good wishes.

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  44. Just checking in. Hope you are well.

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    1. Thanks, Sandra. I'm doing very well. Hope you are, too.

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