The Many Shades And Flavors Of Success

August 16, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

They say success leaves clues, but for you the trail has run cold. Or has it?

Join GenuLines for this investigation into ways your success might be hiding from you in plain sight.

The Many Shades And Flavors Of Success

Webster’s dictionary defines success as…
top of the world success
 
a: degree or measure of succeeding 
 
b: favorable or desired outcome.
 
also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence
 
 
 
Have you ever stopped to think about how successful you are? For some reason we tend to look at success as it pertains to work and money.
 
But what about all the other successes that we achieve throughout our lifetimes?
 
Consider one part of the Webster definition above, favorable or desired outcome. Now realize that you’ve no doubt had lots of little successes that you’ve overlooked.
 
This could be finishing a report at work, or a school paper. Did your husband send you flowers for no special reason?
 
Did your child say she loves you because you’re the best mom? These are all favorable outcomes that result from our own efforts.

Effort And Achievement

Whenever you put effort into something you achieve, consider it a success. We don’t have to build a Bill Gates empire to consider ourselves successful.
 
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
 
How about personal success? Consider for a moment how you live your life.
 
Do you take good care of yourself? If so, you’ve experienced another great success that eludes many people.
 
How many times a day or a week do you actually succeed without even thinking or planning to do so? It’s who you are.
 
You might even say that being who you are makes for success in its own right.
 
For example, a good friend needs help and you drop everything to be there. Color this a success.
 
What’s better than being there for the people we care about?

Acknowledgement

I’ll bet there are achievements in your week that you don’t notice. Why is that?
 
Wouldn’t it boost your emotional and psychological wellness to do so? Sure, it would.
 
Sometimes we miss the big picture. Those every day successes are some of our biggest.
 
It’s time to stand up and take notice of all that you do, every single day that makes you a success. Consider all the different shades and flavors of success in your own life, and celebrate them!

The Many Shades And Flavors Of Success

*Setting and following through on a fitness plan
 
*Being a loving and supportive parent
 
*Raising responsible kids• Eating healthy
 
*Taking good care of your mind, body and spirit
 
*Being a good friend
 
*Looking out for an elderly neighbor
 
*Taking good care of your family
 
*Being a responsible citizen
 
*Being a good friend
 
*Working a full time job and still coming home to cook dinner and do homework with kids
 
*Forgiving someone that wronged you
 
*Introducing a friend to her future husband
 
*Being honest when it’s hard to do so
 
*Saying sorry when it’s hard to do so
 
*Being your real self and living an authentic life
 
*Sticking with goals you set
 
*Giving your time and being of service
 
These are a few examples of the many shades and flavors of success.

Final Thoughts

Next time you consider whether you’ve succeeded in your own life, realize that big dreams and long-term goals are great. But there are many shades and flavors of success, and they all have value and meaning.
 
JohnK 8-15-2022
 
stick man hears about successOverheard: “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”
                                ~John Wooden
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for success

Get Back on Track If You’ve Lost Your Enthusiasm For Life

August 8, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

When you lose your enthusiasm for living your life sucks. Simple as that.

But it’s not too late to get it back, and GenuLines is here to partner with you in the recovery. 

Get Back on Track If You’ve Lost Your Enthusiasm For Life

Feel like you’ve lost your enthusiasm for life? Does it seem like it’s not worth caring anymore?
 
You’ve got plenty of company.
 
Many people lose their enthusiasm for life somewhere along the way. Whether it’s mental or emotional , or because they’re stuck in a rut.
boy shows enthusiasm
 
But there are ways you can get back on track and regain your enjoyment of life. Let’s look at some of the things you can do right now to take back your enthusiasm for life…
 
 
 
What Is Holding You Back?
It’s a good idea to figure out exactly what it is that’s holding you back. Is it self-doubt?
 
Could be that you had unrealistic expectations that led to you giving up on what you wanted? Figuring out the causes can be the start of working your way back toward enthusiasm.
Get Into A Healthy Routine
Keeping a healthy and positive routine is important. The things we do each day give power to our outlook.
 
If you feel as though you’re going through the motions in life, switch things up.
Start with your morning routine.
 
Does it leave you feeling energized, positive, and inspired? If not, change it up so it better serves you.
 
Avoid checking your phone and the news as soon as you wake up. Do things the night before that will make your mornings easier.
 
When you start the day right, it can leave you feeling a lot more positive all day.
 
Surround Yourself With Positivity
As you’ve no doubt guessed by now, staying positive is key to regaining your enthusiasm. The people you surround yourself with make a huge difference in how you feel.
 
Keep negative companions and your outlook will head south, too.
 
The reverse is also true. Be around positive people and you’ll be more positive.
 
You’ll see opportunities and start to enjoy each day.
 
Your inner circle should consist of people who build you up and support you. When you have encouragement and support, it helps you to feel like you can take on anything.
 
Know When To Seek Help
At times depression may be the cause of a low enthusiasm for life. If you suffer with mild depression, the above tips may help you to overcome your current low state.
 
But, if you have moderate to severe depression, you may need professional help. Getting this help can prove invaluable for getting back your passion and joy for life.
 
Many of us go through times when we lose interest in life. Yet, the key thing to remember is that you’re not stuck.
 
There are things you can do right now to regain your enthusiasm and live a happier and fulfilled life.
 
JohnK 8-8-2022
chiforyourself.com
 
stick figure hears about enthusiasmOverheard: “It’s faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living.”
                                    ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for enthusiasm

How Negativity Affects Your Job

August 1, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

Ever think about how negativity might be hurting you at work? It can weigh you down in a big way.

But GenuLines reminds you that this bad energy can be re-worked with you as the winner!

How Negativity Affects Your Job

When you have a negative mindset, it’s going to affect every aspect of your life. Your energy impacts those around you.
 
man shows negativity
 
So, if you bring a negative energy into the workplace, it’s going to have several repercussions.
 
We’re going to look at how negativity affects your job. You’ll also see how you can start to reduce your own negativity in the workplace.
 
 
 

Negativity’s Impact 

There are a lot of ways negativity can impact your job. A negative mindset can affect your performance, work relationships, and wellbeing.
 
The trouble with negativity is that it attracts more negativity. So if you go into work with a negative attitude, it’s going to rub off on your colleagues too.
 
This will lead to a toxic workplace where nobody is happy and stress levels rise.

Performance

A negative outlook can also cause issues with performance. You may not apply for new opportunities as they open, forcing you to miss out on what could be a better job.
 
You’ll also notice your energy levels aren’t great, and the quality of your work will suffer.
 
These are some of the ways negativity can impact your job. So, how can you fix it?

Ways to become less negative at work

There are ways you can become a more positive person at work. But it might take quite a lot of effort to overcome your negative thinking.
 
The best ways to combat negativity at work include:
 
  Identify the cause
 
  Think of something you are thankful for
 
· Talk to your boss
 
   Distance yourself from negative colleagues

Origins

Identifying the cause of your negativity is crucial. There could be lots of reasons why you have a more negative attitude at work.
 
You keep getting passed over for a promotion, or you’re bored with your current position. enables you to figure out the best ways to combat it. Identifying the cause enables you to figure out the best ways to combat it.
 
If you’re slipping into a negative mood, think of something you’re thankful for. After all, it’s difficult to remain negative when you are thinking of something positive.
 
You may also find it useful to talk to your boss if you haven’t already. If you are unhappy with something, let them know.
 
Ask them for a promotion, rather than waiting for one. You could also ask for further training opportunities and more responsibility.

A Little Separation

If you have colleagues who are negative, make sure you distance yourself from them. This can help you maintain your energy and your positivity.
 
If they see you with a more positive outlook, it will also help them to develop one too.
 
As you can see, there are several ways you can address your negativity in the workplace. Identifying the root cause is key to finding the solution.
 
If negative is the default way you roll, work on developing a more positive mindset. But remember, this will take time so don’t expect results overnight.
 
JohnK 8-1-2022
 
stick man hears about negativityOverheard: Do not allow negative people to turn you into one of them”
                                ~Anonymous
 
 
 

 

Article image by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mad-formal-executive-man-yelling-at-camera-3760790/

 

disclaimer for negativity

Criticism Is Not Always Meant To Be Negative

July 25, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

Nothing stings quite like criticism. And that sting can last a long time. Let GenuLines provide some relief, and a way to turn the situation around. 

Criticism Is Not Always Meant To Be Negative

Do you struggle with criticism? Some of it comes from a negative place, but most of the time it’s meant with good intentions.

man giving criticism
 
Unfortunately, even if the person criticizing you is coming from a good place, it can still hurt.
 
Differentiating Between Negative and Positive
There are a few ways to determine whether criticism is coming from a positive or negative place. Is your usual reaction to it negative?
 
If so, the first step is to tame that initial negative reaction.
 
Try to view the criticism with an open mind. Could there be any truth in what the person is saying?
 
Also pay attention to their delivery method. Is there a reason for their feedback, or does it appear that they are nit-picking only to be difficult?
 
Criticism can come from a negative place, but often it’s given to help us improve. Knowing the difference between helpful and negative is important.
 
The Role of Self-Esteem
Your self-esteem will go a long way toward determining your reaction. The more confident you are, the less likely criticism is to affect you.
 
If you have a healthy dose of self-esteem you’ll be able to learn from any feedback you get. You won’t personalize it.
 
Think about your own self-esteem. Could it use some improvement?
 
If so, focus on ways to build it up and you’ll notice this has a direct impact on your ability to handle criticism. You’ll find a lot of awesome self-esteem building tips online.
 
Top Tips to Deal with People Who Criticize Instead of Critique
We’ve all heard criticism when what we needed was an honest critique. So staying calm is important.
 
You may find that your first reaction to criticism is anger. But if you express anger, it isn’t going to help the situation.
 
In fact, it could work in your critic’s favor! Remaining calm helps you know where the criticism is coming from.
 
You can deal with it much better.
 
If the problems are coming from your boss, try and get to the bottom of where the feedback is coming from. Need to know more?
 
Ask to speak to somebody higher up in the company. Sometimes we need an outsider’s view to help us know what’s happening.
 
To Sum Up
Criticism is never nice to deal with. But, it isn’t always meant to be negative.
 
Sometimes it will help you to grow and become a better person. So, don’t be quick to dismiss it when it comes your way.
 
Think about it with an open mind and decide whether there is something you can learn.
 
JohnK 7-25-2022
 
Stick figure hears about criticismOverheard: “Criticism is an indirect form of self-boasting”
                                  ~Emmet Fox
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for criticism
 
 

How to Develop Lifelong Excellence

July 18, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

Targeting excellence in all you do is a wise decision. It’s a target you can reach. 

Keep reading for some GenuLines ideas on how to stay there once you reach it.

How to Develop Lifelong Excellence

Have you ever felt intrigued or even jealous of how some people seem to excel at everything they do? You have to understand that although nobody can be perfect, it is possible to be excellent. 
 
 
A great way to develop excellence is by directing your energy into your projects. As long as you acknowledge that you’re doing your best, you’re excelling. 
 
You can’t sit on the couch and at the same time become an excellent runner. You have to get out there and work on running by putting your best efforts into it. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mastery
Another way to develop excellence is to learn how to master things. This applies to learning new skills, such as how to run a new software program, for example. 
 
You need to commit if you’re going to excel. Before taking on a project or committing to a goal, prepare to commit and follow through with it. 
 
Life is full of challenges
 
These can be the ones that you set for yourself, or they can be the kind that life throws at you. With any challenge you’re going to make mistakes, and there’s nothing you can do to avoid this.
 
What you can do is to learn from your mistakes.
 
Chin Up
When something goes wrong, don’t put yourself down. Instead think of what happened and learn from it. This way you’ll be more prepared the next time. 
 
Another way to challenge yourself is by setting high standards. Don’t feel satisfied with only doing those things that come easy to you.
 
Do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. 
 
To develop lifelong excellence you want to be open to learning. This may include learning from books or by taking courses.
 
But it also includes learning from life and adapting to things as necessary. Be open to becoming a reader of life! 
Know Thyself
Before you can develop your excellence you must understand what you are all about. Do you know what your strengths and weaknesses are? 
 
Developing a lifelong habit of excellence does not happen overnight. You need to be aware of your journey.
 
Take in your surroundings, as well as the people you surround yourself with. 
 
Be open to new experiences and be willing to learn from your mistakes. This will move you in the direction of fulfillment, happiness, and yes, excellence.
 
JohnK 7-18-2022
 
stick man hears about excellenceOverheard: “Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident”
                             ~ A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for excellence

Keep Your Eye On The Prize

July 11, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments
Your goal is a prize worth pursuing. But at times staying on course can be frustrating.
 
It’s a process that GenuLines intends to help you with today.
 
Keep Your Eye On The Prize
Catchy statements are often used to help people get motivated. The title of this article is a common one.
 
Of course the prize is whatever goal or task you’re looking to take on.
 
picture of the prize
 
But, to keep an eye on it, you first need to define it. You need a concrete plan that gives you step-by-step directions on what it will take to get the job done.
 
This isn’t easy.
 
Contacts
People aren’t always familiar with what the job entails. If this is the case, try to find someone who has done what you’re trying to do.
 
If you can find someone, set up an interview with them. Be sure to have a list of questions ready before the interview.
 
Some people may want payment for this interview while others may do it free of charge. You could offer other incentives such as bylines on a website or some other mention.
 
You’ll have more weight if you have an outlet that has authority, such as a magazine or website. It will also depend on how popular that outlet is.
 
Stay On Task
Try to keep the questions focused on accomplishing your goal. Ask what kinds of road blocks the person had to overcome and whether it took longer than anticipated.
 
Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions as your aim is not to publish the interview but to gather insight. If they happen to push back, then you can scale it back a bit.
 
Mentors
Another possibility is finding a mentor or a coach who will help you set up your goals for you. Make sure this person has the qualifications in the field or area that you are working in.
 
Coaches who are generalists may not be able to help you with specific situations that come up for you. You want someone who has been through it before.
 
Of course, this all depends on what you’re trying to do. If it’s general in nature, you could choose the generalist.
 
You may also be able to find information online.
 
And it can’t hurt to do an initial search (which you may already have done.) It’s prudent when doing this, to take much of what you find with a grain of salt and fact check as much as you can.
 
JohnK 7-11-2022
 
stick man hears about the prizeOverheard: “Be generous, be delicate, and always pursue the prize”
                               ~Henry James
 
 
 
 
Article image by Ariel on Unsplash
 
 
disclaimer for the prize
 
 
 
 
 

Focus On The Smaller Things to Find True Happiness

July 4, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

Looking for happiness? Sometimes it’s found in the most unusual places. Or, as GenuLines points out today, it can be found in the small things. 

Focus On The Smaller Things to Find True Happiness

Happiness is many things to many people. It could be preparing to eat the meal you’ve waited for all day.
 
smiling faces of happinessOr sitting down on the couch and knowing you’re about to watch the new episode of your favorite TV show. Or getting a backrub from your partner.
 
These are all examples of what many of us would consider ‘little things. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t be instrumental in helping us to feel happier.
 
These are ‘creature comforts’ and pleasant asides. But they’re super powerful in raising our mood.
 
So the question is, how do you get to the point where little things make you happier? And how do you make sure you have a constant supply of such things to make you happy?
Little Things
The first thing to do is to find those little things and to make sure they keep coming. We have things that make us feel great, such as hobbies and activities that we enjoy.
 
The trick then is to identify how you can enjoy those things on a regular basis.
 
Next, you need to make plans to enjoy those things. A little ‘pleasure delay’ here can work wonders.
 
Spend your day at work looking forward to that thing that you want to do in the evening. But don’t indulge.
 
Instead build up the moment in your mind and look forward to it happening.
Great Things to Do
The problem is that many of us don’t know how to make the very most of our spare time. We spend all day watching TV shows we aren’t interested in.
 
And we call this our ‘down time’.
 
In fact though, there are countless great things you can be doing all the time. And the vast majority of them are free.
 
You could download a free computer game for instance. You could try out a new program or film on Netflix.
Head Outdoors
You could explore a local park. Or read that book you bought ages ago and forgot about.
 
You could try cooking something weird and ambitious. You could try to plant your own bonsai tree…
 
There are a million different possibilities.
 
So spend some time thinking about all the exciting things you could do at home. Make a habit of writing more ideas down as they come to you.
 
In time you’ll find your life filled with amazing little moments.
 
JohnK 7-4-2022
chiforyourself.com home
 
Stick figure hears about happinessOverheard: “The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness”
                                  ~Eric Hoffer
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for happiness

Overwhelm And A Hectic Life: 2 Key Sources Of Stress

June 27, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

It’s bad enough that life today can be loaded with stress. But stress often comes with an accomplice- overwhelm. 

Push back against these intruders with this GenuLines look at how they work.  

Overwhelm And A Hectic Life: 2 Key Sources Of Stress

Man feels stressWe all have our share of stresses in life, but some of them are within our ability to change. Overwhelm and living a hectic life are two of the biggest stressors.
 
Yet there’s a lot you can do about it!
 
 
 
We’re going to look at how these two things are skyrocketing your stress level and what you can do about it.
 
The Effects
Living a hectic life that causes overwhelm forces you to stay in a constant state of stress. You keep going and going with little to no break.
 
This isn’t good for the human body.
 
You need to take a break, allowing you to calm your mind and body, starting anew with fresh energy. Keeping yourself in a constant state of busyness is very bad for your stress level.
 
Of course, that, in turn, is bad for your health.
 
If your life seems too hectic, it’s time you do something about it. You don’t have to do everything yourself.
 
Start delegating. This will help you to reduce your stress and feel less overwhelmed.
 
More To-Do’s
There are some hectic and overwhelming things that are out of your control. But there are a few things you can do to help calm things down and reduce your stress.
 
First, get your priorities in order. Make a list of everything you have to do in descending order of importance.
 
When you’re done, see what you can cut out or delegate to someone else.
 
Organize
Next, get better organized. Keep a well-detailed calendar.
 
Divide your day into what you have to do and the time you’ve allotted in which to get it done.
 
This will help you to feel less overwhelmed.
 
Finally, ask for help. This is where your loved ones can help you.
 
Start delegating tasks and try to make your life less hectic.
 
Delegating Is a Difference Maker
It can be hard to let certain things go, but sometimes, when it comes to your health, you have to.
 
Delegating is a great way to turn off your feelings of overwhelm.
 
Delegating means allowing others to do some of the work for you so you have time to do other important things. To help with your stress, you can delegate chores to others in your household.
 
Have someone else drive your kids to their extracurriculars. You may even be able to let someone else help with some of the responsibilities in your life.
 
Why You Should Bother
It’s no secret-stress kills. Stress can cause heart attacks, strokes, and several other life-threatening conditions.
 
Minimizing your stress can help you think clearer, sleep better, and be healthier. It can help lessen your anxiety, as well.
 
So why, given an easy way to lessen your stress, would you not try it? It could mean a life and death difference for you.
 
We all deal with stress daily, but that stress builds up and could cause some serious health problems. Being overwhelmed and living a hectic life are two of the biggest stresses in life.
 
But it’s good to know that with practice and some patience you can manage them.
 
JohnK 6-27-2022
 
Stick figure hears about stressOverheard: “Times of stress are also times that are signals for growth, and if we use adversity properly, we can grow through adversity.”
                            ~Abraham Twerski
 
 
 
disclaimer for stress
 

Be Excellent by Taking Ownership

June 20, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

Your most excellent life begins with your taking agency for it. Simply stated, it’s all up to you. 

Start with these GenuLines tips to head you in the right direction. 

Be Excellent by Taking Ownershipman displays excellent

Are you trying to lead a life of commitment to displaying excellence in everything that you do? One way to do this is by taking ownership and responsibility for all your actions. 
 
Once you ‘own’ your choices and accept the consequences you’ll gain others’ respect. They’ll see you as someone they can count on. 

 

 

 

Take It Easy

The easiest way to display ownership is by not making excuses. If you were late for an appointment don’t come up with a ridiculous excuse.
 
Tell the other person why you were late, then apologize for not calling to let them know. 

Stay Inside

It’s easy to blame outside influences for your mistakes or oversights. No-one can control one hundred percent of what happens.
 
But you can control how you respond to certain situations. This reaction can change your life. 
 
Take ownership for your relationships, your education, your fitness and your social life. As you start this process you’ll find that you feel more confident and have a purpose in life.

Flexibility

Along with ownership you need to learn how to be flexible. Are you willing to do things in a different way?
 
This means not being stubborn when something isn’t working.
 
Take advice and attempt to change what you’re doing. If you do you will begin to excel at more tasks and this helps increase your confidence and self-esteem. 
 
Becoming a flexible person means that you’re happy to respond to a situation in a different way. When you’re flexible you’re not rigid and set in your ways.

Balancing Act

There’s another important factor in your move toward excellence in everything you do. This is the step of adding balance to your life. 
 
When you live a balanced life you’re focusing on those things that hold meaning for you. At the same time, though, you’re still mindful of those around you.
 
You make choices related to the way you feel and what you’re thinking.

Add It All Up

Balancing your life includes knowing not go out with friends when you need to finish up an important project. You recognize the importance of staying healthy and fit and you follow through.
 
Combine taking ownership, being flexible, and balance, into your life. You’ll be well on your way to leading a life that’s committed to excellence.
 
JohnK 6-20-2022
 
stick figure hears about excellentOverheard: Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
                                  ~ Vince Lombardi
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for excellent

Relaxation Is An Important Part Of Mental Focus

June 13, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

Tough times make tough conditions for relaxation. A calm mind helps you stay focused.

So GenuLines offers some ideas to keep you in the calm zone.   

Relaxation Is An Important Part Of Mental Focus

It sounds counterintuitive. But if you want to improve you mental focus, you need plenty of rest and relaxation.
 
In other words, it’s easy to overdo it, and work too hard, which can then lead to lapses in concentration and focus.
 
dog during relaxation
 
 
 

For Starters

Start out by doing what you can to get a good night sleep. Poor sleep makes it harder to concentrate.
 
And a couple of hours of sleep isn’t going to cut it.
 
Your brain needs long periods of rest to process information. This “makes room” for you to focus on something new the next day.

Late Nights

While burning the midnight oil may seem like a great way to get more done and stay productive, the opposite is true. Yes, you can power through a long night to finish a project every once in a while, but it isn’t sustainable for the long run.
 
Do it when you must, but get in the habit of getting good sleep the rest of the time. Your brain and your body will thank you.
 
Taking breaks throughout your work day is another good way to stay focused and get more done. Work hard in short bursts of time and then take little breaks.

Break Time

Go get a cup of coffee. Move around your work space for a few minutes.
 
Or enjoy a day dream and give your brain a short rest before diving back in.
 
This doesn’t have to be long. You can get big benefits from breaks shorter than five minutes.
 
Go chat to a coworker, or do something like filing or straightening up a few things on your desk.
 
Then get back to your most important task at hand.

Time Out

A few longer breaks throughout the day can be as important as short breaks. Every couple of hours, take a 30 minute or longer break and walk away from your desk.
 
Go to lunch, have coffee with a friend, or go for a walk outside.
 
This gives your brain time to process what you’ve done so far and gets you ready for the next couple of hours of work

Balance

Now, don’t forget to do something fun and completely work unrelated at the end of the day and on the weekends. We all need balance in our lives.
 
If you enjoy your work and you’re invested in it, it can be hard to unplug and not think about it for a while. Make a conscious effort to take time for rest and relaxation.
 
You’ll find you actually get more done in the end since you’re able to focus when it’s time to get back to work.
 
JohnK 6-13-2022
 
stick man hears about relaxationOverheard: “Every now and then, go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work, your judgment will be surer”
                                  ~Leonardo da Vinci
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for relaxation
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