12 Comments

Inspiring description of taking and finding your own path less travelled , David.

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Thank you Lisa!

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I've never considered the meaning of default in this way. But it makes sense. Taking the default path is easier. And unfortunately often the result of what we've been taught.

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It is what we are taught and of course with all the best of intentions. That doesn't mean we ahve to stay on that path forever.

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David, THIS is what I'm doing to make my life more purposeful. Thank you for putting that together. My morning Substack interaction and education sharpens my focus and you are an integral part of that. Thank you for sharing, sir.

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Thank you for those kind words of encouragement Norm. You are most welcome.

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As always, your posts put my head into thinking gear. I’m about to make a big change in my life, and this is a good reminder of all the things I need to take into consideration before I go any further. Thanks always!

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You are most welcome Arnaly!

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This article is one people should consider saving to refer back to. An excellent outline, David.

"This language that eventually covers up our Ikigai..."

This is one of the first things I point out when I start working with people inside a company. Selecting words to keep an eye out for and eliminate. Reframe saying another way. This makes our expectations clear as others recognize our intention.

Then we suggest some alternates to start using in our speech, what you would call "antonyms of default" (this is a DBT trick).

Other random thoughts on your writing:

"that secure career"? We need to ask ourselves - What is it securing? Not our presence with the things that matter most, that's for sure.

"embraced thoughtful risks" sounds like a healthy relationship with uncertainty to me.

This is definitely one of my all time favorites of yours, and valuable for following as one makes up their own progress guide.

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I'm so glad this spoke to you yet again. I wrote it and still get insights when I read it again. Funny how writing works like that. I also always gain insigths fromrreading your thoughtful reflections. Keep sharing your wisdom my friend.

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Love hearing the conviction in the instument that is your voice in this post David! 🙏 These are the 3 things I most deeply felt.

1. What if...surrendering the default...AND being received by

2. Embracing our purpose...was the "norm?"

3. And last but not least...I was reminded that fear has no place in the absence of scarcity.

I also feel it would be kinda neat if Substack was able to allow us to hear the voice behind the words of those who post as well as...the responses to the posts. 🤔 You know how authors read their audiobooks & the words land in a way that just seems different than when the reader is the "narrator" of the author's words? Do we collectively imagine that perhaps that is because our voices carry the thoughts of our souls that is...emotion...in a way that writing somehow does differently? 🤷‍♀️

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I love the deepness of your reflection for each post Aliyvana. I learn new insights myself and I wrote the piece. Thank you!

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