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    Moving Forward with my sister Sara

    enSeptember 14, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Save money during special occasions and life experiencesThoughtful planning and community can help save money during special occasions and life experiences. Look for discounts, affordable alternatives, and reach out for help when needed.

      Saving money is possible, even during special occasions and significant life experiences. Whether it's scoring discounted theme park tickets or finding affordable wireless service, the small steps we take can lead to substantial savings. For instance, buying adult theme park tickets at child prices from an authorized seller like Undercover Tourist not only saves money but also ensures easy access to added features like Genie Plus and Lightning Lane upgrades. Similarly, opting for a more affordable wireless service provider like Consumer Cellular can result in significant savings, especially for new customers who can enjoy their second month free. Moreover, the power of sharing and community was highlighted in the story about a sister's tragic experience. In times of need, reaching out to others and asking for help can make all the difference. The sister's ability to get to her fiance in time, despite the challenges, underscores the importance of being present and supportive during difficult moments. In essence, the takeaway is that saving money and being present for loved ones are two essential aspects of life that can be achieved through thoughtful planning and the power of community.

    • Finding hope through shared experiencesConnecting with others who have gone through similar losses can provide hope and help in the grieving process.

      Sharing experiences and connecting with others who have gone through similar situations can provide hope and help in the grieving process. The speaker in this conversation shared her personal experience of losing her partner 20 years ago and feeling alone in her grief. However, when she received a call from a woman who had experienced a similar loss, she found a sense of relief and hope. This woman, who was 7 years ahead in her healing process, became a beacon of hope for the speaker. Now, the speaker wants to use her experience to be a beacon of hope for others, especially during these difficult times when many people are suffering from the loss of loved ones due to COVID-19 and other tragic circumstances. By sharing her story, she hopes to help at least one person move forward in their grieving process. The power of connection and shared empathy can provide hope and help people heal.

    • Family support in difficult timesEven in tough situations, families can provide comfort, encouragement and support to help each other overcome challenges, making the overwhelming seem manageable.

      Even in the face of a devastating event like a cancelled wedding, a family can come together and become stronger. The speaker shared how their family rallied around the couple and supported them through the difficult time. The speaker also took on a role of providing reality checks and encouraging the couple to face their firsts again, one at a time. This experience taught the speaker the importance of making a list and tackling challenges one at a time, making the overwhelming seem manageable. The speaker also learned about their own resilience and ability to provide comfort and support to loved ones in need.

    • Moving forward doesn't mean moving onTragedy is a part of life, and while it's important to move forward, it's also okay to still feel sadness and carry the weight of that experience with us.

      While it's natural to want to move past tragedy and pain, it's important to understand that moving forward doesn't mean moving on. As the speaker shared, she had been carrying sadness from a loss 20 years ago, and although she had found happiness and love since then, she still experienced sadness. The speaker was inspired by a TED talk from Nora McInerney, who wrote about grief and the idea that you can move forward but never truly move on. This concept helped the speaker accept that her tragedy was a formative part of her life story, and she found courage in her own resilience to face challenges. The speaker also shared how the speaker's own experience of loss had given her the courage to face difficult decisions in her own life, and how the fear of depression was a common concern in the aftermath of tragedy. Ultimately, the speaker's message is that tragedy is a part of life, and while it's important to move forward, it's also okay to still feel sadness and to carry the weight of that experience with us.

    • Finding comfort in shared experiences during difficult timesDuring hardships, shared experiences and empathy from others can bring comfort and a sense of community, helping us cope and feel less alone.

      During challenging times, the feeling of connection and understanding from others can provide significant comfort and support. The speaker shared her experiences of going through personal tragedy and feeling isolated, but found solace in knowing that others had gone through similar experiences. This shared experience created a sense of community and understanding, which was cathartic and helped her cope. The speaker also emphasized the importance of empathy and being able to just be yourself during difficult times. Even though no one wants to be part of a tragic club, the shared human experience of loss and hardship can bring people together and offer a unique kind of support. The speaker's experiences after the September 11th attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate this concept. Ultimately, the ability to empathize and connect with others during hard times can help us feel less alone and more understood.

    • The importance of family and relationshipsExperiencing a family crisis taught this person the importance of prioritizing relationships and family over work, and gained empathy, became a better listener, and learned to think before acting.

      Experiencing a significant loss can put things into perspective and help us prioritize what truly matters in life. This person's experience with a family crisis taught them the importance of relationships and family, and they learned to prioritize these things above work. They also gained empathy and became a better listener. This experience helped them develop the courage to prioritize their family and even leave work unexpectedly when needed. They also learned to think before acting and consider if it's worth it. This perspective has stayed with them for the past 20 years and they are grateful for the lessons they learned the hard way.

    • Finding meaning and growth in hardshipsHardships and loss can deepen our appreciation for life and relationships, shaping who we become. Embrace and hold onto both good and bad experiences.

      Experiencing hardships and loss can help us appreciate life and value our relationships more deeply. The speaker shares how her experiences have made her more protective but also more grateful for her family and their closeness. She also reflects on how her own resilient upbringing has influenced her children to cope with change and lean on each other. Looking back, she would advise her younger self to embrace and hold onto both the good and bad experiences as they shape who we become. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of finding meaning and growth in difficult times.

    • Life's uncertainties: A 'sliding door' metaphorReflect on past decisions, embrace uncertainties, prioritize mental health, and collaborate for success.

      Life is full of uncertainties and we can't control every outcome. But, as the speaker shared, experiences, whether good or bad, become a part of who we are. We can't predict which door we'll walk through next, but we can make decisions and hope for the best. This idea of life being a "sliding door" was a powerful metaphor used to illustrate the excitement and unpredictability of life. It's important to reflect on our past decisions and consider the "what ifs," but ultimately, we have to move forward and make the most of each moment. The speaker also emphasized the importance of mental health support, encouraging listeners to take care of themselves and each other. Additionally, she mentioned the success of growing businesses being linked to collaboration through Slack, a platform where work happens in one AI-powered place.

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