Bob, I guess there are times when wisdom is manifested only through pain. I'm sorry about your painful experience, and I thank you for the shared wisdom.
I've lived through Steps 1 through 4 so many times -- though I haven't had the stunning level of betrayal you refer to. When someone (supposedly) harms me, I want REVENGE. (I have an excuse: I'm a Scorpio. The defense rests...) That reminds me of a saying I love: "If you want to exact revenge on someone, dig TWO graves..."
Anyway, as for Steps 5 through 7: I don't know if I'm evolved enough to tip-toe across those lily pads. Perhaps the Cosmos will help me by presenting me with a similar experience, and hopefully I'll see this as an opportunity to grow. ("Be careful of what you wish for...")
The "ghosted" reference reminds me of a cartoon I saw decades ago: Two lizards are sunning themselves on a rock: One says to the other, "In a past life, I swear I was Shirley MacLaine." (It was funny at the time...)
This was SO good Bob, and very generous of you to share, although I fully understand the tremendous benefit it provides for you yourself to tell this story and unpack its events. Storytelling as a healing force is underestimated. (I wonder how many people got the Shirley MacLaine joke. Got a big smile out of me.)
Hi there. We may have had similar journeys and it’s nice to be able to share about it here. I hope thi bf have settled for you.
Bob, I guess there are times when wisdom is manifested only through pain. I'm sorry about your painful experience, and I thank you for the shared wisdom.
I've lived through Steps 1 through 4 so many times -- though I haven't had the stunning level of betrayal you refer to. When someone (supposedly) harms me, I want REVENGE. (I have an excuse: I'm a Scorpio. The defense rests...) That reminds me of a saying I love: "If you want to exact revenge on someone, dig TWO graves..."
Anyway, as for Steps 5 through 7: I don't know if I'm evolved enough to tip-toe across those lily pads. Perhaps the Cosmos will help me by presenting me with a similar experience, and hopefully I'll see this as an opportunity to grow. ("Be careful of what you wish for...")
The "ghosted" reference reminds me of a cartoon I saw decades ago: Two lizards are sunning themselves on a rock: One says to the other, "In a past life, I swear I was Shirley MacLaine." (It was funny at the time...)
Thanks so much for the comment, Larry. I'm bookmarking your quote: "There are times when wisdom is manifested only through pain."
Steps 5-7...and maybe 8, 9, 10 in the future (?) are there if and when you're ready!
I love "Positive Pessimist" as a brand, btw. I've called myself an "Optimistic Realist" over the years :)
This was SO good Bob, and very generous of you to share, although I fully understand the tremendous benefit it provides for you yourself to tell this story and unpack its events. Storytelling as a healing force is underestimated. (I wonder how many people got the Shirley MacLaine joke. Got a big smile out of me.)
Thank you, Rick. And I'm happy that at least ONE person appreciated that Shirley MacLaine reference 😂