Can a conversation with a taxi driver alter your life’s journey?
Recently I was very privileged to have a conversation with what I can only describe as an amazing human “being” – a taxi driver. He told me he was 80 and when asked why he wasn’t retired and taking life easy, he said his wife had died recently and he had nobody to talk to at home. I though how sad and lonely that must be but he proceed to tell me that he took up taxi driving because he enjoyed chatting to customers.
He told me he had come through throat cancer, a heart attack, a stroke and recently had his knee replaced. His friend introduced him to music and as a result he has been going to college, learning music for the last 3 years. I told him he was amazing and asked what was his secret? He replied “two things, attitude and altitude”. I asked what he meant and was blown away when he said “It’s all down to how I look at things, my “attitude” and my love of sky diving or “altitude”. His last sky dive was in February of this year! He also uses Facebook! Hands up anybody who would like to be this adventurous, tech savvy and active at 80 plus!
So can we broaden our horizons of understanding of life by studying our taxi driver? How many widows or widowers are home alone and lonely? How difficult must life be when a life-partner dies and leaves you all alone? How many days might you go without talking to another adult? What determination and resilience must it take to face up to this new stage of life? If our mental and physical health allow, we can seek out social interaction and new challenges. However, if our physical health restricts our movement, life’s horizons becomes limited. Likewise if anxiety or depression are present, it might accelerate loneliness by resisting social interaction and increasing isolation. Can we be proactive like this taxi driver? How can we continue “being” when life as we knew it is no more? Our taxi driver resisted isolation, he sought out social interaction – human company through his taxi business. He engaged in new learning. He maintained a positive attitude and took on new challenges in life and online. And what can we do? We can begin by questioning our attitude to life. Are we on a roundabout, just going round and round? In other words are we living without questioning our thoughts and behaviours? Are we caught in ground-hog day, denying ourselves the opportunity to grow, to learn from our experiences. We can take time out to consider ourselves, our family and our neighbours. Let’s keep an eye out in our family and neighbourhood for somebody who might be a lonely and give a gentle check-in to ascertain how they’re coping. Or how about visiting a local Nursing or Retirement Home. Maybe our visit could brighten somebody’s day and we might even be takenaback by how positive that makes us feel!
I wish you a day filled with happiness in your own company or in the company of others!
September 18, 2016 at 1:38 pm
That’s an uplifting article, Marie. The photo really is the icing on the cake.
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September 18, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Great piece and the photo is the icing on the cake!
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August 5, 2017 at 11:59 pm
Great thoughts. A determination to make the best of what we have, rather than indulging in self-pity, is indeed far more productive. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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August 6, 2017 at 5:56 am
Thank you for your kind feedback and for stopping in to Create Space!
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August 6, 2017 at 5:21 pm
Such encounters are certainly worth the share. Thanks for sharing this one!
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August 6, 2017 at 10:25 pm
Thanks emn for taking the time to read and comment, you’ve encouraged me to keep going!
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September 8, 2017 at 2:44 am
Great share! Following you now 🙂
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September 8, 2017 at 7:15 am
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your encouragement and for following!
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September 12, 2017 at 8:43 pm
Sky diving, wow! This is such a heartfelt story you’ve shared with us 🙂
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October 2, 2017 at 12:55 am
Words of wisdom from an experienced person. Very inspiring read.
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October 2, 2017 at 3:51 am
Thanks for taking the time to reading my post and for your kind and encouraging words!
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October 3, 2017 at 11:12 pm
Attitude is everything and he sure did have a good one. Thanks for sharing him with us. He seems like a luv everyone would want to talk to. 80 years old and still going. Love it!
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October 9, 2017 at 9:21 pm
So nice to have had you stop by my blog so I could find you too! Nice to meet you!! I wish you all the best. What a great story you have there. ♥
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October 10, 2017 at 8:08 am
Hi Janie, thanks for taking the time to visit my blog and for all your kind comments! It’s lovely to meet you also!! I’m glad you enjoyed my Attitude & Altitude story, he was exceptional and a role model for sure!
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October 10, 2017 at 3:06 pm
Yes indeed! I love that you shared the story with all of us!
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October 29, 2017 at 10:57 am
What a wonderful and uplifting article, Marie! And what a great man you´ve met! Stories like his are real treasures. 🙂
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October 29, 2017 at 3:26 pm
Thank you so much for visiting and for your encouraging comment! I’m grateful to have met him. I had hoped to keep in touch by facebook but he likes to keep to a select few friends..understandable at his age, probably a bit wary of the internet and protecting his privacy. I hope you will visit again and share your thoughts. X
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November 14, 2017 at 10:50 pm
A truly inspiring example of “being,” as opposed to merely existing.
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November 15, 2017 at 8:09 am
Thanks Mitch for reading and commenting, and yes he certainly was inspiring! It’s easy slip into a habit of existing, looking instead of seeing, eating instead of tasting…meeting someone so ‘alive’ was a valuable experience!
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November 26, 2017 at 6:02 pm
That’s awesome! What a survivor…
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November 27, 2017 at 12:14 am
Yes he was that and I was blessed to have had the chance to meet him! Thank you so much for reading and responding!
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December 1, 2017 at 8:18 pm
Both my hands are up. 🙂 I would like to continue having that “zip” in my step in my golden years.
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December 1, 2017 at 10:33 pm
Me too…and the best way to do that is to start today and make everyday like it’s our first and last day!
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December 9, 2017 at 10:27 pm
What an uplifting and inspiring story, as is yours! I wrote a post lately that declared loudly and boldly … Retire is not in my vocabulary. As like this taxi driver, I have SO much in my life and when this part of my life is over, I have plans on moving on to Part 3. Sky diving … now that’s something I didn’t think about but something I would definitely enjoy doing. My brother is an underwater photographer … something else I would love to do. I LOVE talking to people and boy will I make up for lost time in Part 3 of my life. I LOVE your attitude and hope to get to know you better. I so look forward in reading your work. It’s been a bit hit and miss on my part regarding blogging … I just recently loss my Mom so getting back into the swing of things has not been easy. That’s my way of saying IF you don’t see me for a while you’ll know why. That and I have a very full and HAPPY life to boot!! Much Love to you this day!! 💞
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December 9, 2017 at 10:44 pm
Good for you, there’s no need to retire when you’re doing something you love and discovering more about yourself! Thank you for visiting, reading and commenting and I look forward to sharing banter again soon! Much self-love AmyRose!!
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December 11, 2017 at 10:29 am
I wish I had at least half of this wisdom many years ago….
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December 11, 2017 at 5:31 pm
Me too B…but we live and learn and that’s the main thing!
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December 21, 2017 at 6:20 pm
I believe our attitudes and beliefs have more impact on the outcome of our lives than physicla, tangible things. Great post. I love hearing about people who are extraordinary! If we could all only have our own taxi driver experience to put perspective in our lives! Take care!
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December 21, 2017 at 6:52 pm
Glad it resonates with you Lily! It was memorable and I feel blessed to have had the experience! Thanks for reading and commenting. X
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December 28, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Yes he is an amazing example and role model for all. I see why this post is pinned to the top of your page, its never too late to start living. I am fortunate enough to have an 80 year old Aunt, who is still doing hair as a stylist, the most amazing home interior decorator I know, she dresses like she’s 21, but appropriately, always wearing colorful fashions and accessories, she colors her hair and styles it daily. She has the energy of an energizing bunny. She never gives up and set goals ALL the time. I love her to pieces, she is my inspiration.
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December 28, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Wow she sounds beautiful. I love people who don’t judge themselves by a number (age)..pity we couldn’t arrange for my taxi driver and your Aunt to meet up, how amazing would that be!! Thank you for visiting a little piece of Ireland, for reading and commenting!
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December 28, 2017 at 7:25 pm
That would be clever! I am giggling at the thought. You are most welcome. Happy New Year!
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December 28, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Mee too I think there would be a spark between them! Age is an attitude! Many happy returns from Ireland!
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January 2, 2018 at 7:10 pm
Would love to meet your aunt! She sounds like a wonderful woman, perfect for a style profil for my blog, 3C Style… Always looking for stylish person with attitude!
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January 2, 2018 at 10:18 pm
You will love her! Let’s set something up!
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January 3, 2018 at 2:43 am
That would be nice indeed. Does your aunt have Skype? We could fix a date and time. Send me an email at dominique.nancy@3cstyle.com
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January 3, 2018 at 5:49 pm
As above reply to Stephanie…Can you keep me posted as it would be lovely to add to my Attitude & Altitude story!
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January 4, 2018 at 9:07 am
Of course. This is happening because of you and your blog. I have not receive Stephanie’s email yet though. Will keep you posted. I am a little sick so that’s why I didn’t reply to you sooner. Hopefully I will get better fast. Have a great day, Marie!
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January 4, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Thank you! Hope it works out and feel better soon!
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January 4, 2018 at 7:09 pm
💛💛💛 Feeling better already!
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January 3, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Can you keep me posted as it would be lovely to add to my Attitude & Altitude story!
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January 3, 2018 at 5:35 pm
What a lovely idea and possibility of new insights and learning for all parties! Thanks for reading and joining in the conversation!
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January 2, 2018 at 7:17 pm
What a lovely story, Marie. Thanks for sharing it. Totally agree with you. What I like mostly about people with attitude is I find that they are more self-aware of who they are and what they can be. They in turn are more apt to find courage to show their vulnerability, experiment and learn new things. This is how we should all live our life! Great read.
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January 3, 2018 at 5:40 pm
Thank you! I really appreciate your visit and affirming feedback which I agree with and think it is important to strive towards! I’m so glad this resonated with you!
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January 7, 2018 at 7:43 pm
Love the attitude and altitude philosophy! Thank you for encouraging visits with those who have paved the way for us! They are a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and smiles!
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January 7, 2018 at 8:10 pm
Thanks Shelley! I really enjoy the company of senior citizens…maybe because I grew up in a three generational home and my Nana was an important part of my life.
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February 8, 2018 at 9:32 pm
So uplifting!
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February 8, 2018 at 11:13 pm
Glad to hear that!
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March 12, 2018 at 9:50 am
What an amazing person. I hope I can be half so alive at that age!
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March 12, 2018 at 4:03 pm
A good goal!
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March 13, 2018 at 11:05 pm
Hi Marie. Just letting you know that I have not yet received a reply from Stephanie unfortunately. She must be very busy or traveling. Fingers crossed. I will let you know when I do. Hope everything is going fine with you. Take care. xoxo
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March 13, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Hi Dominique, yes please do if you hear from Stephanie. I haven’t seen a blog post from you in a while. I hope you have been keeping well. I sometimes take ages to get around to things but I am not forgetting about your lovely acrostic poem. You might like to have some fun and check out http://www.poetrygames.org/poetry-machine/
in the meantime!
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March 14, 2018 at 7:55 am
I am working on a big project right now. You will soon hear about it. I did post something today on my blog. Here’s the link: https://3cstyle.com/2018/03/13/flower-power/
On my way to read about your poetry games. Sounds fun! Hope you are doing well too. Take care Marie. 🌸
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March 24, 2018 at 3:49 am
This is a great piece. You right about how much one can gain by giving back to our community and those that need help.
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March 24, 2018 at 3:29 pm
Thank you I’m glad you liked it and thanks for your visit. It’s so sad that ederly people are not valued enough. We can all do our bit to turn the tide!
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March 25, 2018 at 5:32 am
We should all do our bit indeed. It was my pleasure to visit your page.
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March 27, 2018 at 10:46 am
Thank you and likewise!
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March 25, 2018 at 10:49 am
Lovely heartwarming post.
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March 27, 2018 at 10:47 am
Thank you so much Ali, that means a lot to me. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Marie
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March 30, 2018 at 9:04 pm
Lovely post. 🙂 xxx
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March 30, 2018 at 9:41 pm
Thank you for visiting and reading. I’m delighted to get your feedback!!
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March 31, 2018 at 4:59 pm
What a gift indeed to have an encounter with a wise man at just the right time in your life. Beautiful story reminding me how “retirement” is a strange phenomenon (lack of better word) that can limit us (narrow our world) or open the world up in a whole new way depending on the individual’s mindset. I wish never to “retire” but to keep on flying and dreaming and reaching for the next experience.
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March 31, 2018 at 6:18 pm
Thank you Bonnie for your visit and lovely comment. I am blessed to have met that wonderful man and see the importance of embracing life at every stage!
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August 5, 2018 at 8:28 pm
This is a beautiful story, and very well written! That taxi driver is a real inspiration. 🙂
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August 6, 2018 at 5:27 am
Hi Sindhuja, I’m glad you liked it. I feel blessed to have met him! Your lovely feedback is so encouraging to hear! Thank you for visiting and taking time to comment. Marie x
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August 13, 2018 at 7:06 pm
Well stated and I believe so true. Yes, there are so many who are lonely in this world. We all should look for opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. This is another good reason for blogging – to communicate with, share with and love so many people around the world. Thanks. 🙂
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August 13, 2018 at 9:26 pm
Wow roninjax, thank you for reading and taking time to respond with such a heart-warming comment! I agree about the importance of having a positive impact, even if only on one life!
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September 19, 2018 at 5:57 am
Being lonely is awful. This man turned his life around in his 80s. Puts many of us moaning, younger people to shame. What an inspiration and how blessed you were to experience some of his personality magic.
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September 19, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Hi Sunshinysa, thank you for your lovely comment! Yes, I feel blessed to have encountered him and learned a little from his story.
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October 2, 2018 at 2:50 pm
What an amazing story! Your taxi driver reminds me of a running friend of mine. She is training to run a marathon in Greece one day after her 80th birthday! She was born in pre-war Germany and lived through WWII as a child. Her stories are incredible. I am so fortunate to count her as a friend.
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October 2, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Hi Laurie, your running friend is indeed amazing! I think living through challenging events can either build huge resilience or destroy somebody. I envy your access to her wonderful stories…what a privilege! Thank you for reading and for sharing your experience!
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October 4, 2018 at 10:38 pm
many tx for sharing the inspiration — surely you are a lovely soul to have encouraged a stranger to tell you such an intimate story 🙂
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October 5, 2018 at 7:22 am
Thank you for visiting and taking time to share such a thoughtful and encouraging comment! I like to think I try to treat people as I would like to be treated! Xx
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October 6, 2018 at 1:14 am
🙂
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November 12, 2018 at 7:06 pm
Wonderful Post 😉 Thank you for sharing with us 😉
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November 12, 2018 at 7:23 pm
Thank you so much Chandan, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I really appreciate your encouragement!
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November 12, 2018 at 7:44 pm
most welcome !!
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December 28, 2018 at 6:40 am
Don’t they rightly say that age is but a number! One can never be too old to achieve something. He is such an inspiration, reinforcing the faith to carry on, to go on, to make lemonades when life throws lemons at you! I was smiling all along as I read this 🙂 It is all about attitude. Thank you so much for this Marie 🙂
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December 28, 2018 at 10:36 am
I so glad you enjoyed this read Parikhit! It goes along the lines of that famous saying “If we think we can, or if we think we can’t, we are probably right!” Thank you for making my journey all the better by your visit and interesting comment!
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December 28, 2018 at 11:36 am
I love that quote. Our thoughts become our actions and the actions our habits. Certainly it is difficult to look beyond a crisis, it requires so much strength and will but there is and that should push us. May be one small and slow step at a time, but we move ahead 🙂
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December 28, 2018 at 6:00 pm
I totally agree with you!
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January 1, 2019 at 11:29 am
Hello Marie, thank you for writing and sharing your experience chatting with a taxi driver. I’m glad to read your post on the 1st day of New Year and this had made my day! Now, I keep this mind to always maintain a positive attitude and take on new challenges in life head on.
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January 1, 2019 at 12:13 pm
Hello! Thank you so much for reading my post and adding your lovely comment. It’s encouraging for me to hear it made your day and I look forward to you sharing some of the new challenges you face and the positive attitude that get you through! Xx
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January 1, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Great post! I love when life surprises you with little lessons! although I don’t sky dive, I understand the attitude all too well. thanks for sharing.
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January 1, 2019 at 10:16 pm
Glad you like this Lily, I can well understand you get the ‘attitude’ part! Thank you for your company. X
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January 3, 2019 at 4:09 am
Simply amazing! Thank you for sharing such an incredible story of an even more incredible man.
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January 3, 2019 at 2:37 pm
I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for reading and for sharing your thoughts on it. X
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January 14, 2019 at 7:56 pm
What a lovely story! “It’s all down to how I look at things, my “attitude” and my love of sky diving or “altitude” I love his message, I find it very inspiring 🙂 Thank you for sharing it with us, Marie 🙂
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January 14, 2019 at 8:13 pm
Hi Giulia, it’s my pleasure to share it and I’m delighted it spoke to you. Thank you for reading and taking time to comment!
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January 18, 2019 at 12:35 pm
You’re right. It is an awesome post.
Happy blogging! Happy new year 🙂
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January 18, 2019 at 8:54 pm
Thank you Eliza, for visiting, reading and sharing your thoughts! Likewise many happy returns. Le grà, Marie xx
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January 21, 2019 at 11:35 pm
Wonderful post, great character.
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January 22, 2019 at 8:37 am
Thank you for reading and for your affirming comment!
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January 30, 2019 at 2:24 pm
What an amazing story. Your taxi driver friend reminds me of my aunt.
Her only child, my cousin, died five years. He was 47. I was pretty sure I was going to lose her but she turned it around. Flipped the switch, she said, and begin to experience new challenges. She will always be sad losing her only son but she has taken that experience and turned it into something positive by rewarding herself with new experiences.
Every now and then we need to meet people like that to teach us in case we are in the same position.
Excellent post. Huge thanks!!!
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January 30, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Hi Bryan I’m delighted you liked my taxi driver post and thank you so much for sharing your story. Your Aunt is an amazing woman too! It must take huge determination and resilience to not only face up to the loss of a child or unthinkable, an only child but to face life with renewed curiosity and interest is inspiring. We have lots to learn from such amazing seniors! Le grà, Marie
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February 18, 2019 at 2:06 am
What a wonderful role model for reinventing yourself. Thanks for sharing this inspiration.
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February 18, 2019 at 12:27 pm
He was just that Ali, I often wonder how he is since. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with me. Le grà, Marie xx
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February 22, 2019 at 8:28 pm
I would like to be just like this taxi driver, he is so curious about life.
greetings
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February 22, 2019 at 11:01 pm
Me too Ultra, me too! So full of courage and zest for life! Thank you for reading & commenting.
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March 3, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Failte Marie,
Lovely post and Create Space as a blog title appeals to me. Thanks.
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March 3, 2019 at 7:12 pm
I really appreciate hearing that Margaret. I have enjoyed creating some space for myself to write and connect and now my web address is ree-creates.com which is quite apt in that my siblings, when they were small, used to call me ‘ree’ when they couldn’t say Marie and now I believe we get the opportunity to ree-create ourselves everyday! Thanks for your company. Xx
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March 18, 2019 at 8:42 pm
Marie, this is so inspiring!! Thank you — I just wrote a blog post on gratitude, and how it opens us to success. I’m doing my own personal focus on gratitude this week. Reading your post is an EXCELLENT start. What a fantastic person.
Also, interestingly enough, I know an audio seminar called “Attitude and Altitude”. Let me know if you want more info! I can send it to you, my compliments.
Blessings,
Debbie
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March 18, 2019 at 9:16 pm
Hi Debbie, thanks for your lovely comment, I’m glad you found it inspiring. I often think of the gentleman and wonder how he is. I’ve found gratitude to be very powerful and kept a gratitude journal for 12 months and reread it for Christmas gone. It was a lovely present to myself! I hope your gratitude focus is insightful. Please feel free to share the audio seminar if you wish. Le grà, Marie xx
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