The lessons author Kelly Corrigan took away from a challenging year.
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What lessons did Kelly Corrigan take away from her challenging year in 2024?
Kelly Corrigan learned to 'look harder' for the grace notes in difficult situations, recognizing that even in hardship, there might be something that leaves you better than it found you. She also emphasized the importance of allowing things to 'suck' without forcing a silver lining, acknowledging that some experiences are purely crappy and that it's okay to wallow in that before moving on.
How did Kelly Corrigan describe her mother's death and its impact on her?
Kelly Corrigan described her mother's death as a 'great death,' where her mother, despite being frail and in a prone position, confidently called the shots and reaffirmed her wishes to be detached from medical equipment. Corrigan found peace in following her mother's lead and helping her achieve her wishes. The loss shows up in her daily life in small moments, like when she misses her mother's care during a sore throat or seeks validation for her actions during her mother's final days.
What does Kelly Corrigan mean by 'look harder' when reflecting on 2024?
By 'look harder,' Kelly Corrigan means to search for the unexpected positives or lessons within difficult experiences. She believes that even in challenging situations, there might be something that leaves you better than it found you, though it may not be immediately apparent. This perspective encourages deeper reflection and resilience.
How did Kelly Corrigan's experience of losing her parents shape her role in life?
Losing her parents clarified Kelly Corrigan's role as the 'giver' in her family. While she had been a parent for 23 years, the loss of her parents made her realize that her primary role now is to give and support her own family. This shift in perspective helped her embrace her responsibilities more fully.
What advice does Kelly Corrigan give about dealing with difficult experiences?
Kelly Corrigan advises allowing difficult experiences to 'suck' without forcing a silver lining. She believes it's essential to acknowledge the crappiness of certain situations and not feel pressured to find something positive. However, she also suggests that something new and potentially related to the hardship might emerge on the other side, encouraging a broader perspective.
- Auld Lang Syne's lyrics prompt reflection on past experiences, both good and bad.
- The episode explores how people choose to remember and process the events of a year that has ended.
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