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Charlotte Stephens's avatar

I love the baristas mindset so much, how inspiring. I sometimes think this way, but am more often plagued by the voice of "well you fucked that up didn't you." It's hard work being so hard on yourself, I'm going to try to be more like the barista this week, I think.

On another note, I hope your new home is still treating you well, and that you enjoyed your crisps (also, what flavour did you have? These details are important to me)

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you for this extremely important question. They were Zapp's chips, Voodoo flavor. (https://amzn.to/3BHCFP4 for reference if you're like, what on earth do you speak of) I'd really been craving something in the sweet onion or spicy jalapeño family, but this is what the corner store had, and they're also amazing. Annnd if we're being honest, I've never met a kettle cooked chip I didn't like.

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Julie Falatko's avatar

I recently got a sticker that says "Increasing My Failure Tolerance" and I am very excited about it, though it is also notable that I haven't found the perfect place to stick it yet.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

I love this!

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Patty Barrett's avatar

"I made a mistake, I am not a mistake" is an affirmation I have written down somewhere and never use. BUT it's a good one!!! One day I'll use it and believe it!

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Oh, that's a good one. I have to copy that down and remember it.

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Meg Wardle's avatar

I battle a similar internal dialogue when I make a mistake… we can be so harsh to ourselves! We’d never speak like that to a loved one 😔💛

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David Roberts's avatar

You are right that the absence of mistakes means we have not been trying. I remember hearing that a bank loan officer who never made a loan that became troubled and suffered some loss was not doing their job properly. Too risk averse.

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Jolene Handy's avatar

That barista story, way to flip a judgey, internal voice, love it! I am eating potato chips right now after hitting send a few minutes ago on a post that includes both potato chips and mashed potatoes 😂 Have a great week, Caroline!

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Jolene! Loved your post. Few things are better than potato chips on a sandwich (except, of course, old friends).😊

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Jolene Handy's avatar

Thank you, Caroline, and on potato chips and old friends, AGREED! 😃❤️

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Heather Pavona's avatar

Such beautiful thoughts on grief - rest assured that your writing has touched so many of us - this piece included.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Heather. ❤️

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Messes and marveling and potato chips sounds heavenly! Thank you, thank you for your gorgeous essay. It's already changed how I think about writing. ❤️

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