Congratulations on turning 60 and making it to 2500 subscribers--such great milestones to achieve! Your journal entries are deeply reflective, offering a wonderful insight into the intricate connections between life, death, and the earth. The way you've woven together your experiences, thoughts, and observations—particularly with the metaphor of the beach pea plant—creates a powerful narrative of interconnectedness and resilience.
It seems like these entries have not only been a way to process your grief but also to find meaning and a sense of unity with the world around you. It's heartbreaking to learn about the death of your helper and I hope his family finds the strength to bear this loss.
I turned 34 yesterday (on Sept 3rd) and this post seems like a sign from the universe, and a reminder to embrace the true nature of life and our invisible connection with everyone on this planet. Thank you for writing this so wonderfully!
"The further I live from the center of the universe, the happier I am!" Although I believe that to be true, at the age of 81, I still have a lot of "I" trouble. But my happiest moments are when good things happen in the lives of others.
Happy Birthday, Dan. Looking back over the past 20 years, I can say with assurance that I began to treasure my life more around the time I became 60. And research has supported the notion that older people are generally more happy and content despite the loss of people they love or care about and the decline of physical health. It's worth remembering.
Thank you Don. DEEP emotions here. I just read this from Ram Dass: “I wish for my family and friends to look at my dying as a time for personal growth for everyone, including me.” The manner of your friend’s death is beyond heartbreaking—and only those closest to him can know of that growth and learning, even through the most intense of confusing grief. If there is a learning you are starting to gleam, I’d be honored to learn it from you. THAT is another way for your friend’s death to have meaning for others.
Here in Jamaica we say "blessed Earthstrong" on someone's birthday and that feels very fitting for your article here, Don. Thank you for sharing your vulnerable experience and as my father committed suicide when I was 15 years old, I overstand the special pain of grieving the loss of someone in this manner. I am sending you a big, magical, unicorn birthday hug full of love, compassion, and good vibes 🩵🙏🪷🌈🦄✨🫂
Happy Birthday to a fellow Virgo. I’ll be leaving 60 and turning 61 in a few days. I believe it gets better. I have my feet on the ground now; I can stand a bit taller. I’ve been in that dark night of the soul and there were moments it could have gone either way. Holding you and your friend in my heart.
Happy birthday, Don. And condolences to you and your friends for the loss of N. It seems fitting that in response to your writing I'm wishing you happiness and condolences in the same breath. It's all part of being human, and for a shy guy you shy away from none of it. Thank you.
Happy belated birthday Don, and congratulations on the double milestone of your 2500-strong community and your 60th. Your wisdom and words resonate with all of us. Thank you.
I'm holding a little space and prayers for your friend. It's heartbreaking. Sending you and E..empathy and love. The vulnerability and mortality of life are all around us. I'm heartened to read that you see the growth, and connection surrounding us too. BIG hugs.
It is so sad when someone takes their own life, what hell must they be in to do that and the pain felt by those who love and care for them would be nearly unbearable
Happy birthday, my friend, and thank you for this bittersweet piece. You are right: whatever we do, we are always what the earth and the cosmos are doing. There is no way to go against that, only perhaps to feel that we are going against it temporarily. We—the true we—are immortal.
I’m glad you’ve made it to 60. I’m really enjoying my 60s. Life is good. But yes, we keep on getting these reminders that life as we know it is not endless. Excellent reminders to live as fully as we can. And to cherish those who surround us. Take care dear Don. Enjoy your break. Have a wonderful time. 🤗🤗💕
Birth and death, the cycle of life, the twin portals. I'm sorry for your loss, sending warm wishes for your 60 years, and touched by your words today 🙏
Congratulations on turning 60 and making it to 2500 subscribers--such great milestones to achieve! Your journal entries are deeply reflective, offering a wonderful insight into the intricate connections between life, death, and the earth. The way you've woven together your experiences, thoughts, and observations—particularly with the metaphor of the beach pea plant—creates a powerful narrative of interconnectedness and resilience.
It seems like these entries have not only been a way to process your grief but also to find meaning and a sense of unity with the world around you. It's heartbreaking to learn about the death of your helper and I hope his family finds the strength to bear this loss.
I turned 34 yesterday (on Sept 3rd) and this post seems like a sign from the universe, and a reminder to embrace the true nature of life and our invisible connection with everyone on this planet. Thank you for writing this so wonderfully!
So our birthdays are only two months apart! 💚😊
Thank you for this, Sonaakshi, I really appreciate it and it’s always so nice to hear from you! 🙏
Oops, that was supposed to say “two days”!
That's okay...I got it! 😃 Hope you enjoyed your birthday week 🎉
"The further I live from the center of the universe, the happier I am!" Although I believe that to be true, at the age of 81, I still have a lot of "I" trouble. But my happiest moments are when good things happen in the lives of others.
Thank you, Noreen. Thank you so much for sharing your own experience.
Happy Birthday, Dan. Looking back over the past 20 years, I can say with assurance that I began to treasure my life more around the time I became 60. And research has supported the notion that older people are generally more happy and content despite the loss of people they love or care about and the decline of physical health. It's worth remembering.
That is a nice thing to hear, thank you, Frances! 🙏😊
Thank you Don. DEEP emotions here. I just read this from Ram Dass: “I wish for my family and friends to look at my dying as a time for personal growth for everyone, including me.” The manner of your friend’s death is beyond heartbreaking—and only those closest to him can know of that growth and learning, even through the most intense of confusing grief. If there is a learning you are starting to gleam, I’d be honored to learn it from you. THAT is another way for your friend’s death to have meaning for others.
And Happy Birthday to you, my friend.
Thank you so much, Kert. I’m in Curacao at the moment but wanted to say I really appreciate you. I’ll talk more when I get home! 🙏💚
Here in Jamaica we say "blessed Earthstrong" on someone's birthday and that feels very fitting for your article here, Don. Thank you for sharing your vulnerable experience and as my father committed suicide when I was 15 years old, I overstand the special pain of grieving the loss of someone in this manner. I am sending you a big, magical, unicorn birthday hug full of love, compassion, and good vibes 🩵🙏🪷🌈🦄✨🫂
Thanks, Deanna 🙏💚
Happy Birthday to a fellow Virgo. I’ll be leaving 60 and turning 61 in a few days. I believe it gets better. I have my feet on the ground now; I can stand a bit taller. I’ve been in that dark night of the soul and there were moments it could have gone either way. Holding you and your friend in my heart.
Thanks, LeeAnn 💚🙏
Happy birthday, Don. And condolences to you and your friends for the loss of N. It seems fitting that in response to your writing I'm wishing you happiness and condolences in the same breath. It's all part of being human, and for a shy guy you shy away from none of it. Thank you.
Thanks, Kelly!
Happy belated birthday Don, and congratulations on the double milestone of your 2500-strong community and your 60th. Your wisdom and words resonate with all of us. Thank you.
I'm holding a little space and prayers for your friend. It's heartbreaking. Sending you and E..empathy and love. The vulnerability and mortality of life are all around us. I'm heartened to read that you see the growth, and connection surrounding us too. BIG hugs.
Thank you so much, Victoria. 🙏💚
It is so sad when someone takes their own life, what hell must they be in to do that and the pain felt by those who love and care for them would be nearly unbearable
🙏💚 Thank you, Aussie Jo
Happy birthday, my friend, and thank you for this bittersweet piece. You are right: whatever we do, we are always what the earth and the cosmos are doing. There is no way to go against that, only perhaps to feel that we are going against it temporarily. We—the true we—are immortal.
Thanks, Mike. Yes, We’re in Curacao! Sorry to be distracted but I’ll write you more when I get home! 🙏💚
So sad. Sigh…
I’m glad you’ve made it to 60. I’m really enjoying my 60s. Life is good. But yes, we keep on getting these reminders that life as we know it is not endless. Excellent reminders to live as fully as we can. And to cherish those who surround us. Take care dear Don. Enjoy your break. Have a wonderful time. 🤗🤗💕
Thank you, Beth. 🙏💚
Birth and death, the cycle of life, the twin portals. I'm sorry for your loss, sending warm wishes for your 60 years, and touched by your words today 🙏
Thank you so much, Vicki. 🙏💚
Deeply moving! How we never know what’s going on in the other person’s mind and soul!!
Happy 60th, sending lots of good vibes ✨
Thank you, Shambhavi! 🙏💚
Happy belated birthday Don. May God bless you and keep you!
Thank you Billy 🙏💚
Lovely, Don. I lost a loved friend to suicide almost 5 years ago. It’s so hard to comprehend. Sending hugs 💙
Thank you, Amanda 🙏💚