"Fork in the Road" was a really good topic! Below are just scribble pad notes I made as we were chatting: What if the hardest part about making a choice isn't choosing? What if it's letting go of the alternative? We seem to like to second guess ourselves, that if it's as simple as learning to walk forward without constantly looking back? If you choose, and something goes wrong - you'll think the other road would have been perfect, but it wouldn't have... The other road would've had problems too. One choice is frozen in time. Neither choice is wrong. Every meaningful choice costs something. The right path isn't revealed before the decision - it's revealed by what you do after the decision. Sometimes it's difficult going toward, and difficult staying. Choosing something for a season, with the knowing that you can also choose to go back if needed. Make your choice and build enthusiasm about it. It doesn't have to be permanent. One person (in a marriage) can lead the fork in the road, and it's possible the other may not want to go that way.....but the one that wants waits for the one who's not to be ready... Reframe the way we claim as "we had no choice." We always have choice. Pay attention to your self talk when you're in the moment. Signs of seasons or winds of change, maybe that's all these forks truly are.

This week we examined a song. Amy Grant's "The Me That Remains." We had a dynamic conversation about being different versions of ourselves and how we grow and learn with each one. Life has a way of changing our circumstances, our relationships, our abilities and even our dreams for the future. I don't think the goal is to tap into every part of who we used to be, but to recognize what is still here, appreciate what we've gained, and be kind to the person we are becoming. It was mentioned that as we do the scary thing - and we are face to face with the unknown, that's where life happens. Something shifts and there is no going back. We have to figure out how to navigate and not sit in the space of in between for too long. Dig deep and find pieces of you that you did not realize where there. It's your "Phoenix moment," forged in fire. You need to go through it. You can't control what happens, but you CAN control how you react. Don't force the old life to fit. Choose YOU. Become a person who can turn a negative into a positive, not allowing your circumstances to define who you become. A quote was mentioned - "If you are not willing to be rubbed, how will you ever be polished?" Look for opportunities in disguise. And a note regarding kindness. "A story was told about a trip to the grocery store. I will share it here, abbreviated. It had been a very bad day as it was, and as I walked out of the store, I encountered a homeless man. Feeling a bit of fear, I took the long way around to the car to stay away from him. When I got home, I realized my wallet was not with me. Frantically, I ran back to the store, where the clerk said "yes - we have your wallet - Maverick turned it in." Maverick was the homeless man. All the contents intact. This moment has stayed with me all these years, as a marker that kindness shows up in all of humanity. I went home and baked him cookies and returned - and when given the cookies, he was overcome by that generosity." The story was shared through many tears, and we all agreed that there was a shift from that point on.

Watch the attached music video "The Me That Remains" by Amy Grant for next weeks Fireside Chat You can find it in the comments below. Lyrics: Coming out of the dark, coming out of this cave It's taken me months of days and years to find my way My face in the mirror doesn't look the same But I recognize a light in my eyes that never did fade And I'm gonna find, yeah, find and revive the me that remains Life cut me wide open when my head hit the ground It wasn't my time for dying, guess my soul just stuck around And out of this wreckage, I'm beginning to claim The gifts, and the healing, and the me that remains Coming out of the dark, stеpping into the day It's taken me months of days and yеars finding my way When I look in the mirror, so much has changed But I recognize a light in my eyes that never did fade And I'm gonna find, yeah, find and revive the me that remains I barely can remember looking for a change A whole lot of a little too much was always in my way And whatever angels happened to draw my name I hope they see how proud I am to be the me that remains Coming out of the dark, coming out of this grave It's taken me months of days and years, still finding my way My smile in the mirror is enough for today Reflecting the light deep down inside that never will fade And I'm gonna try and always be kind to the me that remains To the me that remains

A conversation with Dianne.... We discussed how in a recent conversation with Dianne, she touched on some points that made me think. 1. How long do you have to apologize for your work? In context, this was regarding making minor errors after years of solid dedicated work, and how the errors seem to be marquee level noticeable now. 2. How much time will you have to give yourself?......(to make the decision) 3. How long will you waffle between here and there? 4. Once you learn it's possible to be authentic, why would I ever go back? 5. Absence of connection. (this group vs a grief group, or a client connection vs transaction) Please add your notes below, this was an unforgettable time around the fire

On Tuesday, we chatted about the circle we surround ourselves with . I shared a story about my son who is a pilot and had somewhat an emergency during a flight with his fiance and her friend. And how once on the ground they were trying to find the best solution. His fiance, who works in aerospace (on rockets) came up with a "bandaid" fix that was FAA approved and got them home. We talked about Pride, Humility, Sharing our Experience, and Listening. All skills we need in our circle of friends. It made me wonder how often we struggle to figure out something on our own when sitting right next to us might be the one person who could help the most, or even just share a perspective we had not considered. Are we more or less willing to ask for help if needed as we age? Are we more or less willing to accept it if it is offered? Things to ponder!