110 Comments
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Chris Farmer's avatar

4 years I think, can’t remember but I know it’s more than two. Keep up the good work

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Clay Erman's avatar

More than 2 less than whole time...

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Chris Adams's avatar

Hi Bill - I've been here since the beginning, even before you rebranded as Understandably. I am grateful for your willingness to share your wisdom and vulnerability with all of us who follow you here and on you Big Optimism page. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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Greg Colley's avatar

I don't recall exactly when I joined, but I've been around to see a lot of changes. I know it was during the height of the pandemic. Maybe early 2021. I have enjoyed every moment. I honestly believe this daily posting got me through the toughest time of the pandemic. I didn't feel as isolated. Happy holidays.

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Dr. Dennis Turner's avatar

About 4 yrs. at least. Thank you for words that inspire me to get out of myself and be more empathetic toward others.

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Alyce Rabern's avatar

Hi Bill! I’ve been with you from the beginning. Changed last names and email addresses but have been here from the very start. Thank you!

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dj l's avatar

sorry, I don't remember how long...

commenting on today's topic, "You can't pick and choose what you're grateful for" - love that! I believe I live a life of gratitude, but haven't actually looked at it that way. I've always thought no matter how much/how little I have (not talking only $, but health, whatever...) there is always someone w/ more/less. Today's topic, imo, takes that thinking further, helping to make the connection of acceptance/gratitude of loss/pain to create the awareness for others, that everyone experiences loss/pain.

Thanks for finding & sharing this

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Marilyn Klerx-Hardie's avatar

It's okay to wish something didn't happen, AND then ...add the change of focus to: This is a challenge.

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Karen's avatar

I’ve been here since pretty much the beginning, on the free list due to limited income. I look forward to your email each day.

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Joyce Johansen's avatar

I can’t remember not reading you. Thanks for the amazing piece today. Gratitude can be life changing.

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val Fletcher's avatar

I remember your move to substack so I guess I started before then!! I'd ballpark early pandemic. Have appreciated finding you ever since ;-)

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SPBillman's avatar

Since the beginning, Bill. Thank you for your insights, balanced approach, and for your persistence through Covid!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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val Fletcher's avatar

Wrt today's post and not selectively being grateful for memories - seems very aligned with Brene Brown's theory that yiu can't selectively numb out emotions. However much you numb out the ones at the bottom of the scale, you then also numb out the ones at the top of the scale...

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Darrell's avatar

Brené is an excellent researcher and communicator. I saw her Houston TedX in 2010 or so and have been a fan ever since.

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Trish Woglom's avatar

Almost from the beginning. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to read your newsletter every morning, but I can always go back to read when I do have the time. Thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and your family.

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Barbara Baggett's avatar

Hello Bill- I can't remember how long I've been reading this newsletter but I think it was fairly close to the beginning (certainly before the name change) possible 4-5 yrs? Ever since the pandemic, or perhaps flying past "50" time expands and collapses. And I've lost many people unexpectedly and too soon. When that happens within the landscape of the last several crazy years, I think the intensity of it lends itself to a surreal quality that also adds to the distortion.

I listened to the interview which you shared with Anderson Cooper and Steven Colbert when my sister died at age 57, about 3 years ago. It was such an intimate conversation and it had an amazingly comforting effect on me. So thank you for bringing it back for me. Each Wednesday I visit a women's transitional housing facility to lead an AA meeting and I think I will share it with the ladies there at tonight's meeting. So I am grateful for your efforts and for your humanity. And i think being given the opportunity to "share" in your newsletter adds to the experience exponentially. Of course, it would be a very different thing if the other readers were any less gracious, kind and thoughtful. So I am grateful to you all🤗

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Darrell's avatar

At least two years and probably four or more.

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Evelyn Moore's avatar

Since 2021…wow! I always look forward to the email and perspectives. It forces me to reexamine my thoughts and refocus. Thank you for your work and dedication. 😀

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