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title: I almost died at birth
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# I almost died at birth
by [Dee (Deanna) Rolffs (they/them)](https://l3catalystgroup.com/blog/author/dee-rolffs)
October 16, 2024
I almost died at birth and other strange stories of comfort
I almost died at birth. At eight weeks premature, the lung maturation drug for babies in utero had *just* been developed.
Soon after my birth, before they sent me away to a bigger hospital in an ambulance, one of the nurses snuck me into another room to perform the Catholic sacrament of baptism.
My baptism by this stranger brings me strange comfort.
In a world on fire, seemingly small acts of kindness, whether offered to ourselves or those around us, can bring much comfort.
**All of us could use some comfort, I think.**
I've spent the last few weeks running with hardly a minute to think. From one meeting to another, checking in with kids, connecting with my partner, working and volunteering forty hours in three days. Did anyone feed the dog? Did I remember to lock the door?
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U.S. society will run us ragged and send us the message that we are lazy.
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It was too much. I was stretched taut like a rubber band. I could hardly think straight.
Sound familiar?
Enter a shift. A couple of months ago I signed up for a weekend meditation retreat. I had no idea what to expect, and returned home just yesterday.
At this retreat I was reminded of some very comforting things, and I hope these snapshots bring you encouragement and hopefully a bit of comfort.
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**Pause. Take a few deep breaths from deep in your belly.**
****
A fascinating tree. A wise quote.
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**Find a spot in nature to enjoy. Sit still and notice.**
****
The bubbling fountain grounded me.
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**Gaze at art.**
A painting that centered me.
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**Find inspiration in small, concrete acts of kindness.******A circle garden with quotes from St. Theresa.
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**Be the person.******
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**Loneliness kills. Show love.**
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**Start somewhere. **
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**Do small things with great love.**
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**Love people.**
I love that these Saint Theresa of Calcutta quote plaques are a bit messy. Isn't that life?
Do we need to take retreats to find comfort, slowness, softness, and love? I don't think so. I'm practicing holding it with me as I integrate.
May you show yourself some kindness and love too, friends.
What brings you comfort, joy, and centeredness in the midst of a world on fire? I'd love to hear about it.
Fellow leaders and learners, I wish you courage, rest, and beloved community for the journey.
Together we catalyze a brave, bold, and liberatory future.
###### Tags:
[learning,](https://l3catalystgroup.com/blog/tag/learning) [leadership](https://l3catalystgroup.com/blog/tag/leadership)
Post by [Dee (Deanna) Rolffs (they/them)](https://l3catalystgroup.com/blog/author/dee-rolffs)
October 16, 2024
Dee (Deanna) Rolffs (they/them), Owner & Principal Consultant at L3 Catalyst Group, is a coach, strategist, facilitator, and change agent applying the Process Consulting approach with anti-oppression and liberatory frameworks. Specializing in crisis and change leadership, they support brave and badass leaders and teams illuminate underlying issues, infuse learning, envision a just future, and walk a transformational path forward. Dee is committed to equitable systemic outcomes, healthy humans, and thriving teams. Dee serves on the board of their local Pride Center, is messily learning to practice meditation, and is always up for truth telling about oppression and living life in liberatory joy.
[Follow me on my website](https://l3catalystgroup.com/) [Follow me on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/L3CatalystGroup) [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannarolffs/)
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