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John Doe's avatar

Today, the clouds are stunning as usual.

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Spike Gillespie's avatar

As ever excellent food for thought. Thank you! I had so many thoughts come up but will limit myself to just a couple. In my most recent post I wrote about how the young man who loaded my hay and feed at Callahan’s last week was so pleasant. He really engaged and it literally made my entire day better. I happened to have the good luck of seeing him again today and this time I asked his name and I told him how much his pleasant demeanor made a difference. It was just great. What I didn’t tell him is that I’m really struggling right now (same old ongoing cPTSD cycle of depression) and so it wasn’t merely that he made my day nicer, he actually gave me hope. This, in turn, reminded me a a great essay I read—here is a gift link: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/11/well/become-a-regular-loneliness.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Tk8.9U6M.IUgQqRrZ2mlH&smid=url-share— about becoming a regular someplace. I have a few places I visit regularly. A couple of Juiceland locations and Once Over Coffee. Seeing the same people has a magical effect. As an older, post-pandemic introvert, my forays out into the world have diminished tremendously. Knowing I have these places where I can engage is so helpful. I am so grateful for the kindness of the juicers and baristas. I also love to engage with strangers when I am out walking and, like you, find fewer opportunities to do so because of screens. One place I find that screens seem to be less in use is Barton Springs (though of course there are always people to be found doing “sexy selfies”). I go to the Springs several times per week and make a point of finding folks to share a smile with. Thanks for another great installment.

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