I really like your selection of quotes, Rod. Good idea to focus more on those that paint loneliness in a light that is more thoughtful and positive. We know the downside, so it’s good to ponder what we can learn about this sometimes unavoidable aspect of being human.
It IS a strangely human characteristic, that we can feel alone among some 7.6 billion people. I like the excerpt from Marc and Angel’s book, where we are reminded that everyone has a story. If we come from that ‘knowing’, we are more likely to feel curious about everyone, and new friendships are possible. It’s a good feeling.
I’m glad you finally popped Brene Brown’s book in your bag! Appreciation is always a fine topic to explore, especially after you and I watched Human Flow last night. We have so much to be thankful for. I do hope that those who are currently dispossessed do not have to suffer this way for too long.
It IS good to distinguish between the two versions of the motivation required to move something from an idea to a reality. It can be comparatively easy to feel motivated when the idea is new, however sometimes keeping the motivation going is where we are tested. Thanks for sharing Marc and Angel’s take on this!
I’m a sucker for your blog posts on exploring one’s shadow side, and Debbie Ford’s book is definitely one of the best I have read on the subject. The exercise you include is a beauty and I’m gonna have another look at it to see how I fare these days!
I am an Interculturalist 
I like this quote: ‘Choice is what enables us to tell the world who we are’, it’s not the kind of thought one would usually have, however, on thinking about it, it rings true for me. Thanks for that!