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Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

Michele's formula of "Personal Responsibility + Positive Attitude + Selfless Service = A Good Life" is truly insightful.

It sparks a fascinating internal debate for me about where personal responsibility truly begins and ends, particularly in the face of profound adversity like hers. It’s not about blame, but about agency.

Michele's ability to take "personal responsibility and learn how to manage [pain] as effectively as possible" speaks volumes to an inner strength that many of us aspire to cultivate. It's a reminder that even when circumstances are beyond our control, our response, our attitude, and our commitment to ourselves remain powerful tools.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Alex, I would like to know more about that fascinating internal debate about where personal responsibility begins and ends in the face of profound adversity. Does it ever end? That might be hard to accept for most of us, but maybe that's the bottom line—not in terms of self-blame but in taking responsibility for our response in any situation. As you point out, our response, attitude, and commitment to ourselves are powerful tools that impact our state of mind. Perhaps you can write about this topic one day!

I appreciate the depth of your thinking and response!

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Judy Murdoch's avatar

Our lives are blessed by people like Michele. I like to think each of us can make a positive difference in the lives of others in our own way and with our own style.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Judy, I like your way of thinking! And we don't have to be like Michele or anyone else. As you can say, we align with our own way and style. Thank you.

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

This is such a beautiful post, Sandra! What a special person your friend was. So many lessons to learn from her.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Thank you, dear Charlotte. I feel fortunate, indeed!

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Daffodil Angel's avatar

🌸i purchased your Green and Black leaves composition book and love it 🌺

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Daffodil, thank you so much for telling me! You’ve made my day. Wishing you the best.

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Daffodil Angel's avatar

I am looking forward to your future composition books….i think you mentioned these in a recent post ❤️👍🌺. The guided prompt journal?

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Daffodil, I currently have 20 composition book designs, and I’ve just started working on the guided prompt journal. Thanks for your encouragement. It means so much to me.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

This is such a poignant tribute to your dear friend, Sandra. And a much-needed reminder to live life in ways that bring us joy and fulfillment, no matter the storm we're going through.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Thanks, Paulette. Michele was indeed a special inspiration.

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Brenda Soer's avatar

wow... total inspiration ... Tx for sharing Sandra ...

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Many thanks, Brenda!

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

What an inspiring woman! Thank you for sharing Michele’s experience. There is so much we can all learn from her!

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Cathy, thank you! It was such a blessing to have Michele in my life.

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