23 Comments
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Elena Martinez-Vidal's avatar

This really spoke to me today. Thank you!

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Priscilla Payne's avatar

I am 84 years old and I wish I had the wisdom that you have. I have coped with many things and come out stronger without stopping to examine how I did it. Thank you for sharing this beautiful message.

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Phil Hendrix, PhD's avatar

Thank you for sharing your poignant experience and the lessons therein. I suspect FOG (fear, obligations, and guilt) drive a lot of our decisions, probably more than we realize. Norms that dictate what we should and shouldn't do can also make us feel as though we don't have much, if any, control over our lives. Glad you've gained the confidence to break free of the some of the shackles.

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Prisrob's avatar

What brought me back to your space is your writing. I need it. Thank you..

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Deb Watson's avatar

FOG. It’s where I’ve spent most of my adulthood. Thank you for helping to name this. I continue to be in awe of your wisdom and beauty.

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Diane's avatar

I needed to hear this today. Congratulations on getting out and moving forward, minus the FOG.

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Sigrid Esfeld's avatar

Wow! This really struck a chord with me. To be able to have the insight and wisdom that delivered the right decision for you and your children. Love to you and your children!

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Joni P (She, her, hers)'s avatar

This was wonderful. Thank you for being willing to share so much of you with us. ❤️

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Cecie Pande's avatar

Oh my goodness, that photo of hands. Just beautiful. You are the bravest woman I "know" and I admire you for how well you've weathered your challenges. Your children are incredibly fortunate to have you as their mom and that means more than any additional parent could offer. You sound happy with your change of heart about moving, and for that I am so very glad.

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LORENA's avatar

I am loving the FOG acronym! As always, you have written words full of love, insight and clarity. Thank you!

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Harriet Kelly Gibbe's avatar

Thanks for identifying the FOG. My former marriage was shrouded in it. I remember feeling like my ex had an unrelenting, giant thumb pressing down on the top of my head and I couldn’t get out from under it no matter what I did. Eventually, I found the courage to “get out” after 28 years. Ten years later, I still struggle to explain the untenable instability that I experienced as his escalating smokescreens grew to hide all traces of accountability Thanks for clearing the FOG and the smokescreen.

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Karen Mallory's avatar

Onward you go! Putting the past behind you and understanding the whys of where you are. It feels good the feel like a whole person, yes?

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Susan Rink Olsen's avatar

Beautifully written. ❤

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Carol Wilson-Duffy's avatar

Thank you, ECM, I learned a lot from your sharing of this. I will consider F.O.G.as I question some decisions of which I might be unsure. 💕 Good lessons learned here!

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Penny Kessler's avatar

Thank you. I am right in the middle of this now. Always wanting to be the good one.

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Allison's avatar

Beautifully expressed. The FOG lesson was a powerful one. I need to look at my motivations in some situations, I may still be reacting from that place even though I shouldn't. Starting therapy soon.

As always, I am so grateful I found your broadcast. It has helped me in more ways than I could ever express.

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