Even though my husband is 5'3" compared to my 6'5", I still call him Gregory the Great! He has a huge heart and keeps telling me to "go write."
Maybe we should create The Shut Up and Write Club!
I'm beginning to understand that it's important to share all of what I consider ugly -- so that others will realize the more they share and learn, the better our lives
"The Shut Up and Write Club" Hahahha I love that!!! And "I'm beginning to understand that it's important to share all of what I consider ugly".... LOVE. 🥹
p.s. I just love how your husband loves you. Even though I haven't met you two, I just love you two together soooo much.
You're welcome, Karine! Thank you for the lovely comment 💜
It's taken me way too long to publish this. Since I was planning on publishing and sending it to arrive early tomorrow, I decided to press "send it now" to avoid changing my mind. 🤪
Donna, your opening story ropes me in and makes me want to stay until the last poker hand is laid. I've never been a poker person, and this post makes me want to go watch a tournament to see what all the hype is about. I imagine watching them through your eyes and with your unmuffled voice next to me would be an adventure I'd never forget.
I'm loving where you are going with all this. I can see that you are already developing a series of tags..."Mama Peggy's Wisdom" - "Poker Life Lessons" - "Mindset Shift Mechanics"...
Love this write up. Your unique journey with poker ended up preparing you for the best and worst life had to offer. Thank you for sharing your story, Donna!
You're welcome, Vijaya! Looking back at when I stumbled onto poker feels like a golden parachute, not from the financial aspect, but because it's a mind game.
'Just shut up and write it!' Hahaaa. Your hubby is such a gem and what a fantastic inspiration to us all you are. We've all been dealt those crappy cards. Thank you for understanding me on a super special level and helping us all be better people each and every day. x
Can't believe it took me so long to read your story, Donna and I'm so happy I did. Love how you not just shifted your mindset, but created a healthy one over and over again.
Thank you for being Unmuffled and showing us all what resilience really means.
Donna thank you for sharing your shame with us. 🥹 From my perspective, you have nothing at all to be ashamed about!!! And yet from personal experience, I know how differently that can feel when you're inside and your own head and feel eaten up by shame. Sending you the biggest hug, I'm in awe of how you took some of the crappiest hands you've been dealt and used them to up-level again and again. You truly are inspirational to me. Thank you for being you, your hilarious, wise, magnificent un-muffled self. 💕💕💕
💕💕💕 I can’t wait to soak up all the healing energy from you sharing your shit! It’s magical how “confessing the ugly” starts such a positive, healing effect for all of us around. 🥹
Donna, this is a superb argument you make out of many of your difficult life experiences. It's about the truth you state so well: "Only one thing ever exists — the hand you’re in. Past cards are gone. Future cards are never here.” It reminds me of a community college graduation long ago, where the speaker shared her grandmother's folk wisdom: "You dip your bucket where you are!" There's something pathetic about living one's whole life in victim mindset because of something - even something seriously damaging - that happened long ago. Thank you for the work you do in the world reminding people that they can change their negative mindsets.
Karine, I know I replied to your heartfelt comment with immense gratitude, and it stacked somewhere else. Where it go? 😂
Yes, letting go reminds me of unpacking baggage.
Being in the victim mindset gives your power away.
When I was working with a mature skilled poker player, who thought she was being bullied, I explained that most often comes from her being in the victim mindset.
When she detached from being the victim, she won a major poker tournament.
Love this piece Donna, and you add extra flavor by reading it!
I'm on board with your offering of living with intention and using mindfulness. Since our thoughts create our reality, there is nothing more important than to intentionally focus our minds.
Winners know when to quit - game changer reframe !
Non-attachment is another life-changing reframe.
Smuggled spirituality to the poker table LOL Love your spunk, Donna!
You're right, we do have lots of synchronicities AND I'm here for the ride. 🙌🥰🥳
Thanks, Donna. I try! And, damn straight you are ;)
The wee one is doing well, though the original wee one has gone silent, as she does. Plan on making a visit next week -- give 'em this week to be a family and adapt. :)
Donna, you show the world that it’s never too late to do anything, no matter what age you are or what has happened in your past. You’ve turned poorly dealt cards into golden wisdom that we can all learn from in a relatable way.
Love how you show up as your unmuffled self with such a big heart. Looking forward to reading more of your amazing stories and life lessons!
Even though my husband is 5'3" compared to my 6'5", I still call him Gregory the Great! He has a huge heart and keeps telling me to "go write."
Maybe we should create The Shut Up and Write Club!
I'm beginning to understand that it's important to share all of what I consider ugly -- so that others will realize the more they share and learn, the better our lives
"The Shut Up and Write Club" Hahahha I love that!!! And "I'm beginning to understand that it's important to share all of what I consider ugly".... LOVE. 🥹
p.s. I just love how your husband loves you. Even though I haven't met you two, I just love you two together soooo much.
Yep. And, I'm thrilled the ugly is entertaining. I reckon that's how some TV series rank off the chart.
ps. hubs love you, too, Megan. He craves Shame Sandwich. LOL that was an interesting image.
Sooo true. We’re over here tryin to hide the ugly and shame when it’s what the people’s crave. 😅
Awwwe! Yay! I love hubs too. Happy he craves the shame sandwich. 🤣
I have compounding ugliest ATM, but it helps if I don't think or talk about them.
Thanks for sharing your ugliest loud and proud though, Donna
You certainly do have big balls, but your honesty is fresh air.
You bring me joy, T!
And a little rhyme as well.
Guess what, got my computer back today.
I'm chuffed about that.
Cheers.
It makes me feel good to spread it around.
Then, sleep more.
Why is it easy to fall asleep?
Why do I sleep so peacefully?
Why do I feel good when I sleep?
I'm glad Donna.
Goodnight, sleep well.
You, too!
You're welcome, Karine! Thank you for the lovely comment 💜
It's taken me way too long to publish this. Since I was planning on publishing and sending it to arrive early tomorrow, I decided to press "send it now" to avoid changing my mind. 🤪
I appreciate you more than you will ever know 🤗
Donna, your opening story ropes me in and makes me want to stay until the last poker hand is laid. I've never been a poker person, and this post makes me want to go watch a tournament to see what all the hype is about. I imagine watching them through your eyes and with your unmuffled voice next to me would be an adventure I'd never forget.
I'm loving where you are going with all this. I can see that you are already developing a series of tags..."Mama Peggy's Wisdom" - "Poker Life Lessons" - "Mindset Shift Mechanics"...
You're well on your way!
You touched my heart, and you always have, Teri! I'm more grateful than you know for your input and encouragement.
Thank you for loving Mama Peggy's Wisdom. I miss you so much, and she is continually 'visiting' with me and telling me to JUST DO IT!
That's my Mama. The Git-er-Done gal.
I'm also tickled to be both the Betty White of Substack and the MindShift Mechanic. They may seem unrelated, but they are aligned in my mind.
Love this write up. Your unique journey with poker ended up preparing you for the best and worst life had to offer. Thank you for sharing your story, Donna!
You're welcome, Vijaya! Looking back at when I stumbled onto poker feels like a golden parachute, not from the financial aspect, but because it's a mind game.
'Just shut up and write it!' Hahaaa. Your hubby is such a gem and what a fantastic inspiration to us all you are. We've all been dealt those crappy cards. Thank you for understanding me on a super special level and helping us all be better people each and every day. x
I replied to your comment Linda, but it seemed to stack under Karine's.
I just read Gregory your comment and he loved it!!
Can't believe it took me so long to read your story, Donna and I'm so happy I did. Love how you not just shifted your mindset, but created a healthy one over and over again.
Thank you for being Unmuffled and showing us all what resilience really means.
I sit here, tears welling up in my eyes, Kathy, in a good way! 💜 Thank you so much. You honor me.
It occured to me that since I had trimmed this down, it probably deserves to be Part 1.
Or, maybe 1 of 3. 🤣
Donna thank you for sharing your shame with us. 🥹 From my perspective, you have nothing at all to be ashamed about!!! And yet from personal experience, I know how differently that can feel when you're inside and your own head and feel eaten up by shame. Sending you the biggest hug, I'm in awe of how you took some of the crappiest hands you've been dealt and used them to up-level again and again. You truly are inspirational to me. Thank you for being you, your hilarious, wise, magnificent un-muffled self. 💕💕💕
I'm convinced I already replied to your comment here, Megan, but here goes again...
I so love your Shame Sandwich, how you rip off the bandaid, and pull off the nasty scabs! You give me courage to share.
That being said, this post deserves to be Part 1, because I took out what I considered the ugliest.
Or maybe this is Part 1 of 3 🤪!
I got a lot of shit to share in the hopes that others can feel better about themselves 💕
💕💕💕 I can’t wait to soak up all the healing energy from you sharing your shit! It’s magical how “confessing the ugly” starts such a positive, healing effect for all of us around. 🥹
WOW! "'Confessing the ugly' starts a positive, healing effect for all of us around."
May I quote you, Megan?
That sounds like the leadin for Part 2 🤗 I'm hoping you know how much I value you and respect your courage.
YES! Absolutely yes. And, thank you so much. 💕
It never occured to me that sharing my shame has an uplifting healing effect. Damn glad it does!! 💕
And I'm so glad you keep sharing your shit, Donna/Betty.
To tell you the truth it's not shit. It's all good shit, good stuff.
Your life lessons are specks of gold in the muck we have to wade through.
Cheers.
Donna, this is a superb argument you make out of many of your difficult life experiences. It's about the truth you state so well: "Only one thing ever exists — the hand you’re in. Past cards are gone. Future cards are never here.” It reminds me of a community college graduation long ago, where the speaker shared her grandmother's folk wisdom: "You dip your bucket where you are!" There's something pathetic about living one's whole life in victim mindset because of something - even something seriously damaging - that happened long ago. Thank you for the work you do in the world reminding people that they can change their negative mindsets.
Karine, I know I replied to your heartfelt comment with immense gratitude, and it stacked somewhere else. Where it go? 😂
Yes, letting go reminds me of unpacking baggage.
Being in the victim mindset gives your power away.
When I was working with a mature skilled poker player, who thought she was being bullied, I explained that most often comes from her being in the victim mindset.
When she detached from being the victim, she won a major poker tournament.
Thanks for sharing this
You're welcome, Vince. What do you find helpful?
Great piece! So glad you unmuffled yourself and shared it!
Thank you Terri! So glad to cross paths here. 🤗
Thanks for sharing the moment that kicked off such a fantastic journey! Loved every bit of this! Xx
WOW Kaylen! I never expected sharing what I'd kept swallowed to be received with such open arms!! 🤗
Holding it back felt like word vomit that you taste a little in your mouth. Then, you swallow it to keep from puking it out.
Love this piece Donna, and you add extra flavor by reading it!
I'm on board with your offering of living with intention and using mindfulness. Since our thoughts create our reality, there is nothing more important than to intentionally focus our minds.
Winners know when to quit - game changer reframe !
Non-attachment is another life-changing reframe.
Smuggled spirituality to the poker table LOL Love your spunk, Donna!
You're right, we do have lots of synchronicities AND I'm here for the ride. 🙌🥰🥳
It's thrilling to cross paths with souls who share intentions and understand the value of true communications.
I look forward to connecting deeper. Thank you for the DM 🥰
💗🧿
Now this is a fresh perspective on life itself. I love the idea of your pub and I will keep coming back! So nice to meet you, Donna!
Hey Gabriela. I'm unsure how I missed your comment here. Thank you so much. I love connecting more 💯
Praise the lord for your supportive hubs. Really enjoyed the life lessons learnt via Poker.
Kuddos to you Rebecca!
1/ I love your "chasing your 15 minutes of game" and the "imperfect newsletter"
2/ I appreciate you acknowledging my hubs stellar supportive nature 💯
3/ For confirming the life lessons through poker rang true 💕
Have you seen movie ‘life of a king’ - can you do the same with poker - sneaking in the veggies of life through a sexy dish of poker.
No I haven't seen the movie "life of a king" but I like Cuba Gooding Jr a lot. I'll check it out.
I love your use of metaphors, Rebecca 🤗
Wisdom and empathy is a killer combo. Donna has both in spades.
You have a beautiful and unique skill as a WordSmith, Bryant 💞
I accept being wise and empathetic... especially Unmuffled 💯
Giving you a Big Girl hug, Grandpa. How's the wee-one?
Thanks, Donna. I try! And, damn straight you are ;)
The wee one is doing well, though the original wee one has gone silent, as she does. Plan on making a visit next week -- give 'em this week to be a family and adapt. :)
Hmm... "the original wee one has gone silent, as she does" - tell me more about the daddy-daughter energetics, Bryant.
BTW, let's talk. I have a need. Better yet, I desire to have my own WordSmith who can speak in my voice. Your skill keeps getting my attention
What's good for you next week to talk at each other?
Oh, we have a good relationship, but she has a habit of not replying to texts. She's gotten better. lol.
Texting you Bryant
Donna, you show the world that it’s never too late to do anything, no matter what age you are or what has happened in your past. You’ve turned poorly dealt cards into golden wisdom that we can all learn from in a relatable way.
Love how you show up as your unmuffled self with such a big heart. Looking forward to reading more of your amazing stories and life lessons!
Hello Kat, you are a precious soul, who gives and gives and gives! I'm grateful you find this helpful, and delighted you applaud my Unmuffled self :-D