Month: December 2018

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#22 Coffee with John

I am glad I went for my Coffee with John this morning. I had a great conversation with a passionate, intriguing, and energetic individual.
 
Still, it took effort to get out. I just woke up with a dark cloud hanging over me without much desire to interact with anyone.
 
The meeting went well and I came back to get ready for the rest of the day, including preparing the family meal of the day. While I was at it, I happened to catch a story on NPR about an unlikely friendship: that of the basketball player, Charles Barkley, and a Chinese chemist/scientist in Muscatine, Iowa named, Lin Wang.
 
I was just listening to the story with interest but without any emotional attachment. That changed when the story mentioned that Mr. Lin Wang had passed.
 
The mention of palliative care and some other details of the story just brought a wave of emotions, hitting me instantly and entrapping me in a swirl of tears.
 
Next thing you know I was just crying, sharing in the pain of Mr. Wang’s family and feeling my own unrepairable sadness.
 
I needed that cry. It felt cathartic.
 
I guess the takeaway of this morning in its entirety: honor your emotions. Let them come as they come.
 
Also, human connections have no boundaries. Take the time to connect with people, even when it takes effort on your part. You never know what kind of friendships you will cultivate.
 
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#21 Coffee with John

Had another virtual coffee early this morning. This was my third or so and, as much as I have enjoyed them, there is this part of me that still resistant to the idea. Of course, once I have the virtual session, I can’t wait until the next.

The takeaway of today’s experience: listen and take the time to learn about other people. I have said that before but it’s worth repeating.

It’s fascinating to invest the time in others. The experience might humble and surprise you.Coffee with John - Jennelle - Virtual

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#20 Coffee with John

Always a pleasure to kick off the day early with a cup of coffee and in good company. The takeaway of today’s Coffee with John: laughter. Sometimes we just need to laugh at the absurdity of life situations.

The moment we are born, life throws this big cosmic joke on us: our own demise.

We take ourselves and our “accomplishment” way too serious, forgetting the joke. Life is much brighter if we have a sense of humor and don’t take ourselves too seriously.

The other takeaway: forge your own path, even if it means rebelling against all you know.

Coffee with John - Sandra Japon

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#19 Coffee with John

 

December 8, 2018

A great Coffee with John meeting yesterday morning with a wonderful, cool individual. Today’s takeaway: follow your happiness and well being with trust/faith that things will work out. This week I have spoken about perseverance and courage. Those go in tandem with trust/faith.

Coffee with John Suzanne Desmond

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#18 Coffee with John

No picture from the last Coffee with John but what I do have is the takeaway, which is courage.

It takes courage to persevere and stand tall while the winds of life blow at you in all, unexpected directions.

It’s easy to fold to frustrations and emotions (as valid as they might be). It doesn’t mean that while you face situations all will go smoothly or as you planned. It probably won’t. All you can do is continue on your journey.

 

Coffee with Giovanni and Donna

PS: If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one as well and want another perspective, I encourage you to read the following blog: https://stilliriseinnc.org/

 

 

 

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#17 Coffee with John

IMG_20181204_104833

Another ménage à trois. Sometimes coffee is just better with three people.

This was also another Converse Coffee with John meeting. That’s two in a row with different people.

I am telling you: all the cool kids wear Converse. They probably converse, too.

Today’s takeaway: perseverance.

IMG_20181204_112727

Life throws obstacles, challenges and a myriad of things at us, and all we can do is march forward to turn the page. That might mean starting a whole new chapter in your life, one that’s only beginning to be written by you.

 

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#16 Coffee with John

Coffee with John cecile

 

After a short hiatus, I restarted coffee with John today (November 27, 2018). Today’s rhythm of the conversation flowed, carrying us from topic to topic and making us unaware of time.

The takeaway: Enjoy the moment.

Also, get yourself a pair of Converse. All the cool kids are doing it. But not a requirement to have coffee with me.

 

Coffee with John cecile3