Hi Bob! I’ve just reread this srticle and it brings me such peace and perspective. Thank you doooo much!
I’ve been sad lately that my two grown daughters (43 and 40) have no idea who I am (from some of their comments) and it was relieving to hear you talk about the “lenses” of their experiences.
It’s given me the push to write my memoirs. To see my own “truth”. And I’ve been encouraged by my recent improved perspectives, particularly about so-called “negative” experiences.
You perfectly elucidated how negative things can show us what NOT to do and be so helpful. I totally agree and it puts many things I experienced while young into a new light.
Thank you so much! And thank you to everyone else commenting!
Hi Marilise, Your comments here gave me chills. I think writing your memoirs is a fantastic idea. I actually believe it could be a life-enhancing experience for everyone. I've been thinking about this a lot lately because my book coming out in a month is basically memoir, although rather than tell a single story, it tells 23 stories about my life. That's the wonderful thing about memoir, it can be whatever you want it to be.
When I was a ghostwriter, writing books for other people in order to finance my investigation of the afterlife, I wrote a book for a man who had planned to give it to his children after his passing. He had a son and two daughters, and like you he told me that he believed his adult children had no idea who he was. His book would only be read by those three people, but it gave him peace of mind to know that he could try to help them see who he was, why he was the way he was, and his true intentions in the way he lived. And, of course, it also benefited him to think about and articulate those things in hindsight, essentially beginning the "second half of life" process before he passed. I loved helping him write that book for all these reasons and more, and I encourage you to begin writing and let me know how all the ways it benefits you.
Finally, I should mention that I've been asking for a sign of where to take my work and I had contemplated helping people write their memoirs. Your comment, and the timing of it, has got my attention. We'll see, but I thank you in advance.
Thank you for responding so quickly! Writing these experiences has been sooo helpful to me. I realize at this age (80) I view so many experiences and people whom I thought were sooo negative in my younger years as actually positive lessons for me! That includes male exs of all types (husbands, bfs, etc)!
Also, I’ve decided to live life as an “earth angel”. I recently moved from a tony apartment with a courtyard and garden here in nyc (41 years raising my two kids) uptown in a way more “diverse” (cheaper😂!) neighborhood and building. I am seriously so much happier. I feel it’s a new lease on life. I talk and smile to EVeryone I meet- in my building and on the street and on public transportation. I truly feel the humanity of us all. I feel lucky. I just wish my kids knew who I really was…that was the first impetus to write. NOW it’s for ME! I’m so rejuvenated understanding in a wider and wiser perspective about my life.
Thank you for your article so much. I only “got” it when rereading it😂😂😂! 💕💕💕Marilise
Hi Bob, wanted you to know I enjoy your emails. I live in Kennebunk not far from the White Barn. Hope you and your wife are enjoying this summer. We certainly are.
What a wonderful perspective you write from in this article! I loved that piece, and wish for more afterlife conversations….crazy question, they on the other side witness strange decisions we make?
Of course I would love to sit down and discuss this subject for hours! Thank you again for writing about this, your perspective is backed up also from Suzanne Giesemann, who is also a favorite of mine!
I'm so glad you've joined us here on Bob Olson Connect, Michelle. While I've written so much about the details of the afterlife itself (here on BOC and in my books), I find more and more of my writing these days teaches what I've learned about life by investigating the afterlife. This article straddles both dimensions. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you.
Feeling a lot of love on this one Bob. Growing up in a broken home, like so many, I knew there was a better way to exist. I didn't know exactly what that looked like but was determined to discover it when I left home. I have found myself over the years being directed by my spiritual team to inform clients to have gratitude for those negative people or negative situations. They show us what we don't need and really help us to define the specifics of the life we desire and deserve.
As for 2nd life, I totally agree. It appears to be a wonderful time to take in all that our lives have given us. I do strive to work on this as much as I can while here. I know I can't get back to everything but I have returned to some of the people from my past to give heartfelt apologies and to understand how I got there in that moment.
Thanks Christian, you've experienced so much growth in your lifetime, and what you've written expresses that. We really must be grateful for all the people in our lives, regardless of their positive or negative influences, as they have helped us develop into the people we have become today. And this attitude of gratitude gives you power over your life by not viewing yourself as a victim. What you've written is such a great example of that. Thank you!
I liked the way u described it Bob, 2nd half of life. Very interesting. Fascinating actually! Thanks for giving me this perspective. I loved reading this & all your descriptions! I love reading everything u write about Bob! Thanks again
Yes life goes on in Spirit I do believe!! My g-son Luke made his exit in 2004 age 16 by his own young life. He made a mistake, but I KNOW beyond A shadow of doubt he was met with loving family & friends! NO Judgment's just pure love & a time to heal. Years ? later not sure one sad day I called out to Luke WHY WHY WHY??? In just moments I felt A peace & calm In my whole Being that ALL was WELL with Luke! I then walked into my wash room WHY? not to do wash All I said out loud I NEED MORE LIGHT The light bulb that was out for months came on with the other 200 watt! Thank you Luke I love you Miss you! So much more to this story ... Later maybe? Thank You Bob ! Much Love Light ! Warmly with Gratitude Alisa
Thank you, Alisa, for sharing this with us. You know how sorry I am that Luke has passed, but I'm pleased that you have experienced this connection with him since his passing. I'm glad this article spoke to you. I'll put a couple links below for you and anyone else who might read this. You've probably read or watched them already, but they are often worth a second look. Big hug, Bob
Thank You, Bob, just finished reading your article on suicide. On impulse Luke?? took his life because a girl just wanted to be friends. I feel he couldn't take any more rejection in his life/ no farther, Kelly was the best mom & dad she could be. We love Luke told often but it just wasn't enough. I no longer feel any guilt.. that I didn't let him drive my car!! How CRAZY was that!? Thanks, Bob, for sharing about your depression, happy you are still here for us ALL! I, too tried suicides twice age 14. Now 82 Blessed to still be here! I know that IAM a blessing to my family... & to waiters over tipping is my JOY!
What nice framing (2nd half of life) - because it's truly about the rest of the story - not just what you did in the past. I hadn't really thought about this - I knew loved ones stayed involved, but didn't consider that they get to see the impacts of their actions and influences in real time.
You're welcome, Bruce. I have always felt this is a profound takeaway from my investigation, but it's the first time I've written about it in depth. I would say that the new phase of my work is helping people to see how what I've learned helps us with living. I do think this applies, and I wish more people understood it. Thanks for writing.
I love the 1991 movie "Defending Your Life."
Hi Janet, That is one of my favorite movies. It's so funny, yet what a great message. Did we live with courage? I might have to watch it again soon.
Hi Bob! I’ve just reread this srticle and it brings me such peace and perspective. Thank you doooo much!
I’ve been sad lately that my two grown daughters (43 and 40) have no idea who I am (from some of their comments) and it was relieving to hear you talk about the “lenses” of their experiences.
It’s given me the push to write my memoirs. To see my own “truth”. And I’ve been encouraged by my recent improved perspectives, particularly about so-called “negative” experiences.
You perfectly elucidated how negative things can show us what NOT to do and be so helpful. I totally agree and it puts many things I experienced while young into a new light.
Thank you so much! And thank you to everyone else commenting!
Marilise
Hi Marilise, Your comments here gave me chills. I think writing your memoirs is a fantastic idea. I actually believe it could be a life-enhancing experience for everyone. I've been thinking about this a lot lately because my book coming out in a month is basically memoir, although rather than tell a single story, it tells 23 stories about my life. That's the wonderful thing about memoir, it can be whatever you want it to be.
When I was a ghostwriter, writing books for other people in order to finance my investigation of the afterlife, I wrote a book for a man who had planned to give it to his children after his passing. He had a son and two daughters, and like you he told me that he believed his adult children had no idea who he was. His book would only be read by those three people, but it gave him peace of mind to know that he could try to help them see who he was, why he was the way he was, and his true intentions in the way he lived. And, of course, it also benefited him to think about and articulate those things in hindsight, essentially beginning the "second half of life" process before he passed. I loved helping him write that book for all these reasons and more, and I encourage you to begin writing and let me know how all the ways it benefits you.
Finally, I should mention that I've been asking for a sign of where to take my work and I had contemplated helping people write their memoirs. Your comment, and the timing of it, has got my attention. We'll see, but I thank you in advance.
Hi Bob!
Thank you for responding so quickly! Writing these experiences has been sooo helpful to me. I realize at this age (80) I view so many experiences and people whom I thought were sooo negative in my younger years as actually positive lessons for me! That includes male exs of all types (husbands, bfs, etc)!
Also, I’ve decided to live life as an “earth angel”. I recently moved from a tony apartment with a courtyard and garden here in nyc (41 years raising my two kids) uptown in a way more “diverse” (cheaper😂!) neighborhood and building. I am seriously so much happier. I feel it’s a new lease on life. I talk and smile to EVeryone I meet- in my building and on the street and on public transportation. I truly feel the humanity of us all. I feel lucky. I just wish my kids knew who I really was…that was the first impetus to write. NOW it’s for ME! I’m so rejuvenated understanding in a wider and wiser perspective about my life.
Thank you for your article so much. I only “got” it when rereading it😂😂😂! 💕💕💕Marilise
♥️♥️♥️
Hi Bob, wanted you to know I enjoy your emails. I live in Kennebunk not far from the White Barn. Hope you and your wife are enjoying this summer. We certainly are.
Hi Monica, I'm glad you're enjoying the articles. Having a great summer so far. Thanks!
What a wonderful perspective you write from in this article! I loved that piece, and wish for more afterlife conversations….crazy question, they on the other side witness strange decisions we make?
Of course I would love to sit down and discuss this subject for hours! Thank you again for writing about this, your perspective is backed up also from Suzanne Giesemann, who is also a favorite of mine!
A thousand thank yous!!
I'm so glad you've joined us here on Bob Olson Connect, Michelle. While I've written so much about the details of the afterlife itself (here on BOC and in my books), I find more and more of my writing these days teaches what I've learned about life by investigating the afterlife. This article straddles both dimensions. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you.
Feeling a lot of love on this one Bob. Growing up in a broken home, like so many, I knew there was a better way to exist. I didn't know exactly what that looked like but was determined to discover it when I left home. I have found myself over the years being directed by my spiritual team to inform clients to have gratitude for those negative people or negative situations. They show us what we don't need and really help us to define the specifics of the life we desire and deserve.
As for 2nd life, I totally agree. It appears to be a wonderful time to take in all that our lives have given us. I do strive to work on this as much as I can while here. I know I can't get back to everything but I have returned to some of the people from my past to give heartfelt apologies and to understand how I got there in that moment.
Wonderful article!
Thanks Christian, you've experienced so much growth in your lifetime, and what you've written expresses that. We really must be grateful for all the people in our lives, regardless of their positive or negative influences, as they have helped us develop into the people we have become today. And this attitude of gratitude gives you power over your life by not viewing yourself as a victim. What you've written is such a great example of that. Thank you!
I liked the way u described it Bob, 2nd half of life. Very interesting. Fascinating actually! Thanks for giving me this perspective. I loved reading this & all your descriptions! I love reading everything u write about Bob! Thanks again
Thank you, Shari! So glad you enjoyed it.
Yes life goes on in Spirit I do believe!! My g-son Luke made his exit in 2004 age 16 by his own young life. He made a mistake, but I KNOW beyond A shadow of doubt he was met with loving family & friends! NO Judgment's just pure love & a time to heal. Years ? later not sure one sad day I called out to Luke WHY WHY WHY??? In just moments I felt A peace & calm In my whole Being that ALL was WELL with Luke! I then walked into my wash room WHY? not to do wash All I said out loud I NEED MORE LIGHT The light bulb that was out for months came on with the other 200 watt! Thank you Luke I love you Miss you! So much more to this story ... Later maybe? Thank You Bob ! Much Love Light ! Warmly with Gratitude Alisa
Thank you, Alisa, for sharing this with us. You know how sorry I am that Luke has passed, but I'm pleased that you have experienced this connection with him since his passing. I'm glad this article spoke to you. I'll put a couple links below for you and anyone else who might read this. You've probably read or watched them already, but they are often worth a second look. Big hug, Bob
My article on suicide (the most updated version): https://bobolsonconnect.com/p/the-big-question-about-suicide
Another article I wrote as a fictional letter from someone in spirit to their family and friends: https://bobolsonconnect.com/p/im-sorry-i-took-my-life
My video from years ago on suicide that has been seen by 450,000 grieving suicide loss survivors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59OOCGzd6fE
Thank You, Bob, just finished reading your article on suicide. On impulse Luke?? took his life because a girl just wanted to be friends. I feel he couldn't take any more rejection in his life/ no farther, Kelly was the best mom & dad she could be. We love Luke told often but it just wasn't enough. I no longer feel any guilt.. that I didn't let him drive my car!! How CRAZY was that!? Thanks, Bob, for sharing about your depression, happy you are still here for us ALL! I, too tried suicides twice age 14. Now 82 Blessed to still be here! I know that IAM a blessing to my family... & to waiters over tipping is my JOY!
Bless you, Alisa! ♥️
What nice framing (2nd half of life) - because it's truly about the rest of the story - not just what you did in the past. I hadn't really thought about this - I knew loved ones stayed involved, but didn't consider that they get to see the impacts of their actions and influences in real time.
Thank you!
You're welcome, Bruce. I have always felt this is a profound takeaway from my investigation, but it's the first time I've written about it in depth. I would say that the new phase of my work is helping people to see how what I've learned helps us with living. I do think this applies, and I wish more people understood it. Thanks for writing.
How do I write to you?
I so very much enjoy everything you write. They give me a feeling of peacefulness.
Hi Dina,
Thank you for saying so. I'm glad you enjoy my writing. This is the best way to write me. I appreciate your kind words.