Happy first Tuesday of the month. How is it February already? Really quick, as I only

mention this, the first episode of each month, I'd like to remind you what this podcast is made

possible by you, all of your support, whether it be a couple of bucks each month,

listen to this episode, or just sharing the podcast with others.

It goes a long way and is so appreciated that it puts a smile on my face every time.

If you haven't already, head over to commentdownpodcast.com and click the white coffee

cup with a heart on it to keep this podcast going.

Two or three dollars a month is all it takes so we can continue having these wonderful episodes each month.

And your help, well, your help is worth more than a thousand chocolate chip cookies.

And if you've already supported or you currently do, then my heartiest cookie appreciation goes out to you. Again, I only ask at the first of each month, but you make a

lifelong difference. Again, commentdownpodcast.com. Look for the white coffee cup with the red heart. Thank you.

Now, on with the show.

The other day, I ran into an old friend who I hadn't seen it a while.

I recall his wife passing a few years ago, and noticed he was wearing a wedding band again

after it had been absent a few years.

As we talked, he told me how he had to relearn so much about himself.

He had to relearn about himself in order to make the most of his life after his wife had passed away,

both as a single person and eventually, when the time was right for him, what he would

bring to a new relationship. And he explained that while it felt very different to explore

activities and interest totally on his own, it was a rather enlightening process. He found out so much more about himself,

rediscovering what he enjoyed doing as well as learning how things were different when accompanying

someone else. It gave him a greater sense of appreciation for life. And he shared how it was what he called an awakening season that taught him a lot about

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