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Patina with Dina Aronson's avatar

Grateful to have found you too! And now you have given me something to learn/think about- you would think after attending 12 years of Catholic school I would be familiar with the Ignatian spiritual excercises- you may have to enlighten me! Hugs right back and so happy you enjoyed...xo

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Oh, again, so much to say - I went to one, too, but for just a year, but have only learned a (very) little about Ignition spirituality over the last ten years or so (I'd love to work through the exercises properly at some point, but this is one principle that has really stuck with me, personally). I loved this so much. Sending big hugs for the rest of your week from over the pond! 🥰🤗

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Skylar Liberty Rose's avatar

Nodding along over here, Dina. Channeling my inner Andy has been a beautiful, often difficult, journey. The conditioning runs so deep! But it's a rich and rewarding experience to forge the path that makes sense to our own hearts.

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Patina with Dina Aronson's avatar

You said it, my friend- the conditioning runs deep, but you are such a wonderful example of how to tune out the societal noise and live authentically, on your own terms. You always inspire...

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K. Morgan's avatar

Dina, how fitting that I should wake to find your newest "blog" about success in my box this morning when I've had this gnawing feeling of how unaccomplished I am! Thank you for reminding me to use my own ruler, and in the event I mismeasure which is often lately, I'll return to your very wise words.

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Patina with Dina Aronson's avatar

I'm so happy that it spoke to you. We all mismeasure from time to time, my friend. A while back I participated in an online retreat for midlife women, and I was speaking to reinvention. I was struggling a bit with how to approach, wondering if I had anything compelling enough to share. To prepare I basically sat down and thought about/outlined my story, which turned out to be a powerful exercise. There were things I hadn't thought about in a long time- things I dismissed at the time as just "life" that in retrospect were true accomplishments. I'm sure your list is long...xx

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K. Morgan's avatar

#youinspire

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Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style's avatar

OMG yes ~ thank you for making me think today and always.

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Patina with Dina Aronson's avatar

You do the same for me...xox

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

“Just women in communion, allowing ourselves to be seen, feeling the balm of a grown-up sisterhood” - this!!! 🙌💕 I am so very grateful to have found you and your words here! I love what you say about not pursuing goals that shift you from your centre, this makes me think of the Ignatian spiritual exercises and the approach of making decisions at times of “desolation” and “consolation” - I could talk to you for hours on that one! 🫣 This resonates so much. Virtual hugs, and so grateful for your words here, as ever! XOXO

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Gwen Miller-Aceto's avatar

This really spoke to me….thank you 🙏🏻. Also there’s a DWP sequel in development!! ❤️😜

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Patina with Dina Aronson's avatar

That makes my heart happy (as does the DWP forthcoming sequel!)... xox

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Dina Alvarez's avatar

You belong here. I'm so glad you found your space, voice, niche, whatever you think is the best name for it. That's the beauty of midlife for some of us. The joy of accomplishment measured by our own ruler is spot on!

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Patina with Dina Aronson's avatar

Means the world to me- thank you! And throwing out all of the other rulers is freeing!

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Kathleen McLychok's avatar

A worthwhile read at a time when I am deeply reflecting on my own journey and exploration on “success.” Thank you for your thought-provoking words Dina!

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Patina with Dina Aronson's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Kathleen, and I love that you are thinking about it too. I think so many of us at this transformational stage of life are in a very reflective place. I'm grateful to my friend for pushing me to think about what success feels like at this point, and reminding me how important it is to keep checking in... xo

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Nipa's avatar

This one hit close to home, Dina. I started with a career that no one expected or encouraged, but circumstances and life events pushed me towards more traditional pursuits.

I've found when I don't make my definition of success clear, people tend to want to impress their needs or their own definitions on me.

So I've been thinking about success a lot lately too. And appreciate that your writing nudges me along my path to realignment.

Xo Nipa

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Aug 11
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Patina with Dina Aronson's avatar

So kind, and so happy you enjoyed. I love the way you characterize it- success is what we decide it is for our own soul…beautiful!

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