16 Comments
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David Gerken's avatar

Sure. I'd be happy to. Give me a week as I am currently in Ireland with my wife and three kids. At this point, I have only two goals for the rest of the trip: 1. My kids don't kill me; 2. I don't kill them!

Actually, we're having a good trip with the occasional crying/meltdowns that drive me crazy!

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Sandra Hoerle's avatar

Love your story!😇 The eleven most important words—“Think about what you want, not about what you don’t want. “ Energy follows attention.

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David Gerken's avatar

Yes! So true. Thanks Sandra.

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Ken Reed's avatar

Well done David! While my favorite pieces from you are the ones about the need to tame our egos in order to be driven by our souls, I found this piece to be both humorous and very practical. While the single life might be the most fun, in the long run it is definitely less fulfilling.

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David Gerken's avatar

Thanks, Ken. Couldn’t agree more about the single life.

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Jen Grisanti's avatar

I love your words and how you look at the world before and the world now in terms of growth. You created a beautiful life. I love how meaning and connection are at the core of it.

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David Gerken's avatar

Thank you, Jen! I know meaning and connection are everything to you, too. Wouldn’t trade that for anything.

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Jackie M. Stebbins's avatar

David - I was a successful trial lawyer in my old life. And in 2018 when I was 34, I was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis (and with that a whole litany of chronic health crap). Your work really speaks to me! This piece is excellent! Thank you.

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David Gerken's avatar

Thanks, Jackie. Sorry your life’s journey took a rough turn on the health front. My hope is that it has allowed you to grow in ways that are virtually impossible for those who haven’t faced those kinds of challenges.

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Jackie M. Stebbins's avatar

Thanks so much for that, David. Just the other day, I read what was a blip in a novel, but it really hit me: that perspective is a luxury. I concur. I never thought about rest, self-care, mindfulness, creativity, writing (well, outside of motions and appellate briefs), and to-be-read piles when my life was nonstop work and billables. My worst days have given me a lot of gifts! Thanks for connecting. I don’t remember how I found you - but I love your work. (And OMG you wrote for the WW! We’re currently rewatching it, reminds us of when life and politics felt kinder …) Best wishes!

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David Gerken's avatar

Thanks so much, Jackie. For a very special reader such as yourself, I’ll answer any and all questions you may have about the WEST WING, behind the scenes, etc.!

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Jackie M. Stebbins's avatar

Hi David, I hope I didn't creep you out on my last reply ;) can I still ask you a few WW questions?!!

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David Gerken's avatar

Fire away! Try doing it on message app if possible.

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Jackie M. Stebbins's avatar

Fired away on messages! Thanks so much!!

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Jackie M. Stebbins's avatar

Wow! I’m honestly a little speechless (someone call my husband 😉)!! Would you ever time for an online chat; talk about writing, mindfulness, WW!?! Let me know and I can set it up. If not, I’ll get my list ready for a direct examination! 🙂 Thanks David!

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Jul 10
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David Gerken's avatar

Thanks, Mort. Hope you’re well and that Sally’s health is stable.

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