Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think

Growing Up in the Sixties: A Nostalgic Reflection

I was born in San Francisco, a city teeming with self-proclaimed messiahs. I’ve encountered everyone from American gurus and spiritual teachers to private jet owners, Playboy playmates, self-help swamis, and even cult leaders. The city has seen its share—there are too many to count. Among them, I met deeply compassionate, unforgettable souls and witnessed more than my fair share of corruption alongside kindness.

I was born in 1953, right into the heart of the Sixties counterculture—a time of communes, cults, meditation centers, music, and alternative spiritual movements. Those years taught me countless lessons. Feminism, rock ‘n’ roll, the drug scene, the gay rights movement, and the sexual revolution all challenged traditional religious norms and left a lasting impact on many lives. […]

By Doré Frances|2025-03-04T16:14:58-07:00October 13th, 2024|Dore Frances, The Sixties and Seventies Counterculture, Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments

From Hardship to Resilience: Overcoming Life’s Challenges with Strength

My life underwent a profound transformation after my cancer diagnosis and surgery. It changed how I lived, viewed people and the world around me, and what I truly valued. I let go of my regrets and released the anger I had held toward those who had hurt me.

I lived authentically for the first time, fully embracing who I was.

The following years were a journey of internal and external highs and lows; however, I finally moved forward.

Looking back, I realize that the pivotal changes stemmed from my cultivated habits and the unwavering support of those who genuinely cared. Sometimes, all it took was a gentle nudge or a moment of clarity to realign with my path and rediscover my purpose. Reflecting […]

By Doré Frances|2025-03-04T16:06:47-07:00October 12th, 2024|Cancer Journey, Dore Frances, Relationships, Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments

Seeing the World with Newfound Clarity – A Deeper Perspective – Entry 2

Dennis reluctantly agreed to “let me attend” the cancer retreat, though it was clear he wasn’t pleased. An uneasy silence marked the drive from Pacific Grove to the Santa Cruz mountains. As I traveled along the Pacific coast and through Santa Cruz, memories flooded back—after all, I’d spent five years there.

Upon arriving at the retreat, I called Dennis to assure him I had made it safely. That evening, while reading the local newspaper in the retreat’s formal living room, an odd feeling washed over me.

It was as if some unseen force urged me to take a walk. Without questioning it, I headed out, passing through a large iron gate and walking down a quiet country road. A woman stood opposite, […]

By Doré Frances|2025-10-04T14:01:20-06:00October 9th, 2024|Cancer Journey, Dore Frances, Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments

Seeing the World with Newfound Clarity: A Fresh Perspective on Life – Entry 1

On the drive home from the hospital after my cancer surgery, I felt the chapter of my past life closing behind me. I sensed that soon, I would step through a new door, venturing into uncharted territory. The life I knew before my diagnosis and surgery felt distant, almost disconnected from who I had become. My drive and passion for running my temporary legal business had faded, but with employees depending on me, I couldn’t leave everything behind overnight.

My past seemed like a puzzle I no longer recognized, and the future held even more uncertainty. Although my intuition guided me toward the next phase, I wasn’t ready to fully embrace the unknown.

Dennis was eager for us to get back to […]

By Doré Frances|2025-10-04T14:01:48-06:00October 8th, 2024|Cancer Journey, Dore Frances, Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments

My First Wedding Day: A Memorable Journey of Love and Celebration

I married on June 7, 1970, at St. John Baptist Church in Milpitas, California.

At just 17, I was young, convinced I was in love, and determined enough to persuade my father to let me go through with it. My first husband, Dennis H., was 21.

He believed that once you “seal the deal,” everything naturally falls into place, leading to a marriage like his parents—a classic “happily ever after.”

I was determined to avoid a marriage like my dad’s and Dotti’s, which they often described as “unhappily ever after.”

At the time, I was filled with joy, optimism, passion, and the boundless energy of youth.

“For as long as you both shall live”—a vow I embraced with all the gravity and sincerity of a […]

By Doré Frances|2025-03-04T15:57:09-07:00October 6th, 2024|Dore Frances, Relationships, Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments

1989: Death Part Two – Reflections on Loss and Healing

I met with Dr. Swanson in his office on Monday, where he scheduled my surgery for Thursday. Dennis wasn’t with me during this visit—he was just as overwhelmed by my cancer diagnosis as I was.

We both felt afraid, anxious, and helpless. Dennis struggled to be the caretaker I needed at the time. On the other hand, Dr. Swanson was excellent at explaining everything clearly. However, I was too distracted and stressed to fully process what he was saying.

When Dr. Swanson noticed Dennis wasn’t there, he asked why, and I told him Dennis wasn’t feeling well. Although nervous, I have a knack for compartmentalizing my emotions in tough moments. During our conversation, Dr. Swanson inquired about my religious beliefs. I explained […]

By Doré Frances|2025-03-04T15:54:23-07:00October 5th, 2024|Cancer Journey, Dore Frances, Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments

Embracing Life’s Journey: Finding Meaning in Every Moment

On January 4, 1989, my two-year-old daughter noticed something unusual on the back of my neck. We had just finished taking down the Christmas decorations, ensuring we could fully celebrate her birthday on January 9 without any holiday reminders. That morning, after showering together, I wrapped my hair in a towel and gave her a piggyback ride. At first, I didn’t realize what Wendy was pointing at.

“What’s that boo-boo, Mom?” she asked.

Curious, I turned to see a small, dime-sized mole.

“Great, another mole,” I replied. “I’ll call my dermatologist in a few days.”

I didn’t think much of it then; I had plenty of moles, and most had been removed without issue. I finally contacted my dermatologist, Dr. Rolf Johnsen, on February […]

By Doré Frances|2025-10-04T14:03:23-06:00October 3rd, 2024|Dore Frances, Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments

Life Isn’t Just About Improvement: Embracing Growth, Balance, and Presence

For a long time, I unknowingly thought the aim was to correct every part of myself I considered flawed.

That’s the foundation of the entire self-improvement industry.

In essence, I aimed for self-perfection. I thought I could only embrace myself fully after reaching a certain level of personal growth. By relying on this behavior, I placed the power to accept myself beyond my reach, which deepened my sense of helplessness and incompleteness. Naturally, nothing I did ever felt sufficient.

I was stunned to realize that the identity I had been striving to improve was never confirmed. I had created it in my mind. This is a common experience for all of us. We picture ourselves as distinct individuals with certain traits shaped by […]

By Doré Frances|2025-03-04T15:49:48-07:00October 2nd, 2024|Dore Frances, Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments