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Donna McArthur's avatar

If you ever want to write a book Dee this is it! This essay is the summary of a lifetime of work and I can't imagine the effort it took to wrestle with these words (or at least for me it would be a wrestling match). It's one thing to be clear on our beliefs and another thing entirely to be able to write them out with such clarity.

When you posted the Note about your beliefs I was deeply moved and this essay takes it to the next level. Thank you Dee.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Aww thanks my friend. I can tell you that it was very clearing to write it. Maybe when I finish the book I’ve been working on—struggling with—for the last 3 years I’ll get to it. Not sure I can expand much on it though. The experiences that built the belief systems is hard to quantify—it just is. 🤷🏻‍♂️🙏

I’m grateful that it touched you. I find so many of the things that we write separately to align well.❤️

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Matthew Long's avatar

What a great piece Dee. I guess I missed the original Note so I am glad you developed the ideas. Our thoughts align closely in many of these areas but I hadn't taken the time to flesh them out the way you have. I appreciate the opportunity to read through them and think more deeply about my own belief system. Thanks brother.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

It took time and at the end of it I nearly didn’t post it. Very personal process—but hey that’s what I write about—so there you go 🤷🏻‍♂️

Thank you for reading brother.

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Monica's Dark Corner's avatar

♥️♥️♥️♥️ An excellent article! Thank you! 👏👏👏

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Susie Middleton's avatar

I love your list! Have to go to sleep or I’d read all of the longer bits. But it’s a powerful personal philosophy .

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Thanks Susie. I’d be interested to hear what you think 🙏

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Switter’s World's avatar

I’m saving this one. You hit it out of the park.

Thanks, Dee.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Thanks my friend. It was a challenging release to write it.

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Nancy Scannell's avatar

Dee, your post motiviated me to write and post on NancyScannell.Substack.com. I'm grateful to be on this sober journey with you.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

🙏

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Nancy Scannell's avatar

Each of your statements are launchpads for journaling and further questioning: How do I embrace the opportunity to love in each one-on-one interaction? What do I do with the ensuing confusion of being with someone who distorts power? Please keep writing!

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Thank you Nancy. I see it as such also 🙏

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Bill Beshlian's avatar

Phenomenal Dee. When I first read through all of your statements, I said to myself that’s a boatload to unpack. You could spend lifetime trying to figure out each pair. It was great to read your words and get your thoughts and stance on them. You’ve got the gears grinding again. I don’t know what will happen but nothing ever is a straight line. Thanks!

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Thanks Bill. Aren’t the damn gears always grinding. When they stop we’re dead 😳😂

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Sam Alaimo's avatar

This is stellar, Dee. "I’ve always believed that love is a verb not a noun. Love is not a feeling. Love is an act." I am here for it.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Thanks Sam. Appreciate the read and the kind words 👊

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Dana Leigh Lyons's avatar

Really appreciate this, Dee - even the practice of thinking through what our beliefs are, in detail, feels like it 1) gets at the essence of what makes us human, and 2) opens space for exploration and connection. Also, I just admire your courage and straightforwardness in engaging in this sort of exploration out loud, in public. Not for the faint of heart in this day and age.

As I think you know, I have kindred beliefs around science, health, and freedom. But speaking them aloud (or writing them in my newsletter) still feels scary. Thank you for leading the way. ♥️

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Thank you Dana. It makes my heart glad when I’ve written something that resonates with you—a fellow inner space explorer.

It’s always been my nature to go fast and take chances, so it’s not hard for me to be equally fearless in my self-exploration. That said the bruises and the cuts tend to sting more when you fall.

Sometimes ya just gotta let it rip. 😳😎

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