For over 7 years, we’ve had the privilege of writing our Sharing Life’s Lessons column for you, and our other loyal readers. As we’re writing this final installment for some beloved local papers that are closing, we’re saddened that an era of community papers is dwindling. We’re also filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to connect with you week after week and discuss the lessons, insights, and perspectives that have shaped lives.

When we first embarked on this journey, our goal was simple – to create a space where we could openly and honestly reflect on the experiences, relationships, and moments that have molded each of us into the people we are today. We wanted to explore the universal truths that bind us all together as human beings, to celebrate the triumphs and learn from the challenges we face throughout our lives.

And week after week, you have welcomed us into your life, graciously listening as we shared our stories, and yours, and the hard-won wisdom that came from that. Your emails, your comments, and your own personal anecdotes have been a constant source of inspiration, reminding us that the lessons we share resonate far beyond our own experiences.

Through this column, we’ve laughed and cried, celebrated, and commiserated. We’ve tackled topics ranging from the importance of forgiveness and the power of gratitude to the art of navigating difficult conversations and the significance of establishing meaningful relationships. And in doing so, we’ve been reminded time and time again of the profound impact that even the smallest of gestures can have on our lives and the lives of those around us.

One very valuable lesson we’ve learned is the transformative power of vulnerability. By opening our hearts and minds to each other, we’ve been able to forge a deep and authentic bond, one that has allowed us to truly connect on a human level. Your willingness to share your own stories has been a testament to the power of vulnerability and has shown us that when we’re brave enough to be vulnerable, we create space for genuine understanding, empathy, and growth.

As we say goodbye to this chapter, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you. Your loyalty, your engagement, and your willingness to embark on this journey with us has been truly humbling. We’ve been honored to be invited into your life, to share in your triumphs and struggles, and hopefully impart a few valuable lessons along the way.

While this may be the end of our weekly column for now, it’s certainly not the end of our shared journey. The lessons we’ve learned, the connections we’ve forged, and the memories we created will continue to shape and inspire us long after these words are published. And we hope that the insights and perspectives we’ve shared will also continue to resonate with you, guiding you through the ups and downs of life’s ever-evolving landscape.

To you, and all our beloved readers, we say thank you. Thank you for your unwavering support, your thoughtful reflections, and your willingness to grow alongside us. Thank you for reminding us that the most profound lessons often arise from the most unexpected places, and that the true power of connection lies in our ability to share our stories and learn from one another. Also, thank you to all the newspaper editors and staff that have worked so hard to keep community papers coming to you as the digital age took over the print world.

As we transition from this chapter, we do so with full hearts, knowing that the lessons we’ve learned and the bonds we’ve formed will continue to enrich our lives for years to come. And we look forward to whatever the future may hold, confident that the lessons we’ve shared will continue to shape and guide us. It’s been a great privilege to share life’s lessons with you.

We thought it fitting to close with words from the ‘Irish Blessing’.
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

And we’ll add, always remember that as one door closes, another opens. We’re not saying farewell, it’s just a transition! We invite you to stay connected by emailing us at WeCare@TheBalanceCenter.com. Let us know what’s important to you so we can cover it at TheBalanceCenter.com and in our future endeavors.

Chanhassen MN residents, Doug and Lynn Nodland are success coaches and owners of The Balance Center in Excelsior. Contact them at WeCare@TheBalanceCenter.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2024 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.