Couldn’t agree more. In our effort to reach more people, more efficiently, more stylishly, we’ve lost the essence of why we sent cards to begin with. We go through the motions, but miss the intent.
Allen, you have hit it on the nailhead with this one. I had a colleague who had been horribly molested by her father who told me she was once standing in the Hallmark section trying to find a Father’s Day card that read, “Thanks for the memories.” Funny, not funny. Emily and I discuss all the time how to keep her children from drowning in the ocean of depersonalization. A worthy but difficult job.
I take a little issue with your description of happiness and joy. My experience is that happiness is shallow and transitory, enjoyable but time and circumstance limited, but I experience joy as an enduring sense of peace and wellbeing that nothing can take away from me. It has been with me through many wonderful times and also some horrible times of unhappiness, but it remains. I kinda think I may have been born with the gene, but I’m grateful, whatever the reason.
Now how’s this for personalization? I will always be grateful for you. For the smart, witty, and effective counsel you gave us when we sought your help. I will never forget your interesting office, I see you sitting in that chair with one leg tucked underneath, leaning in, leaning into life. I hope, truly, that you have a little happiness today and most of all that you are experiencing the deep joy and peace you so richly deserve.
Marty: I remember you like it was yesterday! And my mother-in-law, as well as two of my patients, now live in Montecedro. What an amazing place! Please know that I understand what you’re saying about joy and happiness. You know, as I do, that the Buddha says, “life is suffering.” I say it’s “joy and suffering.” But, yes, perhaps you do have that gene that keeps you mostly joyful. I am, too, but still think that “happiness” is not something to be strived for. Instead, one should look for meaning or fulfillment, and then embrace the happy moments (or hours or months), when they come. I send much love to you. Alan
Thanks, Mona. I've gotten some negative feedback -- including from a friend of mine who sends you those "to my friends and family" newsletters that I immediately throw out! BTW, you are on my small list of folks to whom I write personal notes over the new year. It is either in the mail or soon will be. Thanks for all the love, love. You're a smart, beautiful, and wonderful woman! Alan PS. Yes, people "go through the motions, but miss the intent." Perfect words.
Couldn’t agree more. In our effort to reach more people, more efficiently, more stylishly, we’ve lost the essence of why we sent cards to begin with. We go through the motions, but miss the intent.
Allen, you have hit it on the nailhead with this one. I had a colleague who had been horribly molested by her father who told me she was once standing in the Hallmark section trying to find a Father’s Day card that read, “Thanks for the memories.” Funny, not funny. Emily and I discuss all the time how to keep her children from drowning in the ocean of depersonalization. A worthy but difficult job.
I take a little issue with your description of happiness and joy. My experience is that happiness is shallow and transitory, enjoyable but time and circumstance limited, but I experience joy as an enduring sense of peace and wellbeing that nothing can take away from me. It has been with me through many wonderful times and also some horrible times of unhappiness, but it remains. I kinda think I may have been born with the gene, but I’m grateful, whatever the reason.
Now how’s this for personalization? I will always be grateful for you. For the smart, witty, and effective counsel you gave us when we sought your help. I will never forget your interesting office, I see you sitting in that chair with one leg tucked underneath, leaning in, leaning into life. I hope, truly, that you have a little happiness today and most of all that you are experiencing the deep joy and peace you so richly deserve.
Love,
Marty Tamburrano
Marty: I remember you like it was yesterday! And my mother-in-law, as well as two of my patients, now live in Montecedro. What an amazing place! Please know that I understand what you’re saying about joy and happiness. You know, as I do, that the Buddha says, “life is suffering.” I say it’s “joy and suffering.” But, yes, perhaps you do have that gene that keeps you mostly joyful. I am, too, but still think that “happiness” is not something to be strived for. Instead, one should look for meaning or fulfillment, and then embrace the happy moments (or hours or months), when they come. I send much love to you. Alan
Thanks, Mona. I've gotten some negative feedback -- including from a friend of mine who sends you those "to my friends and family" newsletters that I immediately throw out! BTW, you are on my small list of folks to whom I write personal notes over the new year. It is either in the mail or soon will be. Thanks for all the love, love. You're a smart, beautiful, and wonderful woman! Alan PS. Yes, people "go through the motions, but miss the intent." Perfect words.