"Lately, I've Been Thinking..."

It's day 158 of documenting 2025.

I got two new books yesterday.

Their ebook versions actually.

The first is "The Psychology Of Money" by Morgan Housel.

The second, "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius.

I added them to my reading list and I may make reference to them in future posts.

Insights on the way! 📚

(I did good with the introduction, right? 🙂)

Happy Weekend to you, my friend.

I hope your week went well.

Mine did, mostly...

But it's gonna get better, and it starts with Highlights.

365 Days With Self-discipline

📌 On Learning From The Greats

"You do not win in a big fight by any patent device. There is not any way by which you can turn your hand and conquer in a time of great trial. You have got to conquer as your fathers and grandfathers conquered before you. 

You have got to conquer as strong men have conquered in every struggle of history, and draw on whatever fund of courage, of resolution, of hardihood, of iron will that you have at your command, and you can conquer only if you draw on just those qualities."

Quote by Theodore Roosevelt

Hmm 🤔

Makes you think, doesn't it?

I think the quote translates to,

"Achieve success like the greats".

"Whatever problems you’re facing today, somebody has already faced them in the past. 

Perhaps not in the exact same way as you, but close enough that the story of this person will resonate with you."

"That’s why I find biographies (particularly autobiographies) so inspirational; you’re getting to know the stories of great individuals and discover that no matter what period of history they took place in, people always employed the same or similar ways to achieve success. 

What’s so powerful about it is that you can apply their lessons in your own life and have a reasonable chance that if it worked for them, it will work for you."

Great insight from Martin himself 😌

I haven't read any biographies or autobiographies before...but I look forward to reading some good ones;

And eventually writing one ✍️

That's all for Highlights.

I hope you learned a thing or two.

And there's more to learn from my discussion with ChatGPT.

Last night, the thought in my head was,

"Lately, I've been...

I've been thinking"

Maybe you can figure out what I was thinking about from the chat.

Here's how it started:

Me: Is a deep connection possible between two people on the internet?

ChatGPT: Yes, it is. 

When both people are emotionally present, honest, and open to vulnerability, even a digital space can feel deeply human. 

The connection thrives not on proximity, but on mutual understanding and intentional effort.

Me: Emotionally present, huh? 🤔

What does that entail?

ChatGPT: Being emotionally present means you're not just replying, you're 'feeling' with the person. 

You're tuned in—not distracted, not performing. You respond with awareness, empathy, and a willingness to really 'see' the other, even through a screen.

Me: Can this happen with more than one person?

Or is it specific to the person you vibe with the most?

ChatGPT: It can happen with more than one person, but not with everyone. 

Emotional connection needs resonance—like two instruments in tune. Some people just meet you where you are, no forcing. 

The more aligned your values and emotional depth, the stronger the connection.

Me: What then happens when they stop communicating?

Can the connection be lost?

ChatGPT: Yes, it can fade. Connection needs care—like a plant, it withers without attention. But if the bond was real, the roots often stay. 

Sometimes, silence doesn’t mean loss—it just means the connection has shifted, not disappeared.

Me: What do you mean by "the connection has shifted"?

ChatGPT: I mean it may no longer be active, but it’s still 'there'—quiet, but not broken. 

Like a song paused, not erased. 

The emotional imprint remains, and if both return with openness, it can pick up again—maybe changed, but still meaningful.

Me: What if the halt in communication is due to the need to focus on one's progress and it has been mutually agreed on?

ChatGPT: Then that pause becomes a form of respect, not neglect. It means the connection is strong enough to hold space for growth. 

And if it's mutual, it creates trust—that no one is being abandoned, just becoming more whole for when paths cross again.

Me: "when paths cross again"...

I like that 😊

ChatGPT: I'm glad you do 😊  

Some connections aren’t meant to be constant—they’re meant to be 'true' whenever they return.

Me: I believe the connection I have with this particular person is true.

But time will tell if I'm right in my belief.

ChatGPT: That’s a wise and honest place to be—hopeful, yet grounded. 

Trust your instinct, but let time reveal the depth. True connection doesn’t rush or demand—it simply 'remains', even in silence.

Me: Thanks 😌

Could you summarize our discussion on connections and give a suitable conclusion?

A quote would be nice too.

ChatGPT: Sure! Here’s a summary:

Connections—especially deep, emotional ones—can absolutely form online when both people are truly present and engaged. 

These bonds may shift with time, especially when communication pauses, but if there’s mutual respect and understanding, the connection doesn’t vanish; it simply changes shape, waiting for the right moment to reappear. 

Focusing on personal growth can pause interaction without breaking the bond. Ultimately, time reveals the strength and authenticity of any connection.

Conclusion:

True connection is less about constant contact and more about genuine presence and trust, even across distance and silence.

“Connection is not always about being together; sometimes, it’s about being there—even when apart.”

A wonderful conclusion, right?

I agree too.

So, my friend,

Can you figure out what I was thinking about last night?

The chat says it all...I don't have to spill 😏

That's all for today's post.

Have a nice weekend!

Take some time off to rest, relax and recharge.

All work and no play.....

Thanks for reading ☺️

As always, you decided to click on the link that sent you here.

Thank you for joining my on my journey 💜

You can share your thoughts and suggestions.

Not in the comments, here.

Did you miss any of the former posts?

You can catch up on all of them by visiting the main site, Documenting 2025.

I'll see you there 😉

I'm Duon Ada. 

I'm documenting 2025,

And I'll see you tomorrow.

Ciao 💕