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And that influence might be transformative, full of joy or sorrow, teachable moments and enlightenment. It might be a single kindness from a stranger or a few words from a friend that changes the course of our lives forever.
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Some people we choose to spend time with, while others are thrust upon us due to circumstances. Each one of them touches our lives in some way, however brief or prolonged that interaction may be. And each one helps to mold us into the person we are today, for better or for worse.
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It's been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, bumps and potholes and forks in the road. Has it been worth it? Yes, it has. I look back with no regrets and look forward with anticipation to new adventures with old friends and those as yet unknown who will join me on my path in the future. Let's get started!