First visit was for me. Second visit was for us. Both, a beautiful thrilling Nature revelation that is special and personal.
Who can ever forget their first time…in everything? Who would have taught second time is just as good and surprising? Here at 4 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park, it did, at least from my own experience and relationship with Nature.
I took several days off for myself and family. I needed some space from work. My blood pressure has been severely high at work running in the 150’s/100’s and panicked enough to see the Doctor. To my relief, blood pressure dropped to Borderline Normal range of 130’s/80’s. It was Stress Hypertension. I didn’t even know such thing exist and I’m in the Medical Field. Doctor pointed out my HbA1c is pre-Diabetic and I gained 35 lbs since 2016. We discussed what must be done and I totally agree. That day, I made a decision to commit myself on healthier lifestyle changes. Back to low salt, low sugar, low calorie diet and regular exercise. These are the easier challenges.
The hardest of challenges is overcoming work stress. So many uncontrolled, unpredictable variables. Also, I can’t just quit my job and find another that hopefully is better and kinder.
I need to make drastic mindful changes on how to cope with stress and anxiety. I need to change how I react on people’s repetitive selfish, negative or negligent attitude and behavior. I need to care less of what they can hopefully change and care more on what I can do and change. I need to detach my thoughts and feelings from work and just treat it as work. Caring too much is frowned upon. It exposes slackers. It exposes substandard, potentially unsafe work ethics and practices. It exposes questions not meant to be known, answered or challenged. It’s threading towards danger that may not end well for the person trying to do the right thing.
Sometimes it’s better to just close our eyes than fight a system we will never win and only brings us fear, anguish and stress. It’s better to focus the mind, body, heart and spirit on what gives inspiration and is able to reciprocate our true worth.
Family Time, Nature Outdoors and Exercise are part of my major coping mechanism against stress. They calm my nerves. They make me breath easier. They make me happier and take off my mind from what gives me anxiety, sadness, frustration, even anger.
Back to my Father and Son Nature Hike Adventure at 4 Mile Beach. It was everything and beyond I imagined. It was an energizing escape. It was relaxing. It was a fun outdoor exercise with glorious therapeutic views.
It felt good to share with my son what I see and feel visiting this beach. It was nice to discover new experiences with Nature that is just for the two of us.
For a moment, I turned back time. I was a kid again, wide eyed ecstatic, curious, imaginative, weightless. For a moment a get to play, laugh without cares and worries. I forgot about stress. Anxiety got blown by the strong winds. I forgot about the adult world and it’s insane demands and cruelty.
4 miles of being lost in a blissful Nature dream. 4 miles of just me and him.
For a few hours, I felt Human again and not a highly useful, functional Robot for everyone’s use and convenience.
It’s okay to go out there and find our own joy and calmness. It’s okay to value our life and start living healthier, happier. People may not like it. Kindness to self is not something just freely preached or given, but at someone point, we need to brave up and own it.
Sunday, we decided to take a day trip to Big Sur to highlight our Memorial Day Weekend. Waiting for the heavy traffic to end, I told my wife and son, “I’m just so happy today. I don’t know why. May be it’s getting enough good sleep. May be it’s the thought of going outdoors. But we did went out the other day, and it didn’t feel the same.”
Take a break from all that breaks you no matter short. Stop ignoring Stress and its long term health effects. It’s a silent killer. Are the source and cause of our Stress really worth dying for?
We only have one life to live. No reruns. It’s exhaustible and fragile. And even if we think we can function like a Robot, we still need rest and restoration. Otherwise, we will burn out or break down sooner than our warranty like all machines do.
This Man's Journey 
What a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing with us:)
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I was blessed to enter its world once and saw a beauty like no other. I hope it will reveal itself again just as magical as the last time I saw it. Weather has been very unpredictable and moody this Summer. Hard to find that perfectly clear , Sunny and Blue skies and oceans. Mostly it’s been gloomy, Grey or foggy every time I pass the 17 Mile Drive entrance that leads to the 4 mile beach. Thanks
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Beautiful post here Friend. Through the hustle and bustle of life and the desire to do everything, we end up wearing ourselves out. For stress, I recommend a few things. First, start by putting God first, and begin your day with a prayer to God and a heart for God. God is able to orchestrate several things and he can use divine assistance to make our day easier. Second, we need to treat our body like a temple. Energy giving foods are a great resource. Thirdly, we need to take little breaks every now and then to refresh. Daily planners, to-do lists, delegating tasks, outsourcing, taking on only that which one can handle is also a part of the mix.
The most important of these is God. When things get tough, we can always reach out to him for help.
The Bible says in Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”.
God says in Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
If anyone reading is interested in building a relationship with God, I have a post on that here: https://christcenteredruminations.wordpress.com/2018/08/29/how-to-build-a-relationship-with-god/
There is much more to know about God. I post frequently on my blog about topics related to God. You are welcome to follow my blog to keep up with my content.
-All the best. May God bless you.
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Thank you my friend. I do needed to read this. Things can be so much in certain days and a Man can only do so much and bear so much as a Man but God can move mountains , and can command the impossible to be possible. Yes, guilty of sometimes forgetting to seek God first and truly make a relationship and connection. So I will try, starting now. Thank you and God bless.
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Thank you. I need to hear it myself too. Glad I could share. Keep up the good work.
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☀️🙏
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Pingback: 4 Mile Beach of Anti-Stress – Tla culture interclubsitre du site
A great place to destress for sure. I recall the stress I used to be under at work. I never had high blood pressure, but all around me seemed to. Hmmm, hope I was not the cause. But, like you, I made decisions from time to time to play hooky and get out for some family time in nature. Glad you are also able to do that. Stay well. Allan
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Thanks 🙏
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These pictures that you’ve taken are absolutely stunning, thank you so much for sharing them ❤ You’re definitely right, it’s important to take breaks for our own health and happiness. I’m glad that you were able to take a break in such a beautiful location and that it helped to lower your blood pressure.
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It is more surprising when we don’t expect and just let adventure and nature do what do they best, inspire and heal. Thank you.
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Nice post
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Thanks
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Nice
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Thanks.
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Focus on your health and embrace meditation. You will be alright..best of luck.
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Thanks you. Working on it constantly.
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Great👍
Can you please visit my blog littlejinglejangle.wordpress.com 😊
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Thanks 🙏
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Very natural and attractive spot that you had used. Well done.Great job dear.
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It took more than 5 years for me to stop and be curious. I wondered why there are cars by the road when I don’t see anything from the road. It’s a secret which made me wish I discovered sooner. Life and Nature are full of surprises. Thanks.
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Indeed
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Amazing,its mind blowing
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Thanks. We need something mind blowing every now and then to take away our mind blowing stress and life dramas. Thank God for nature and adventure.
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It’s so beautiful.. mesmerizing 🌼
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Thanks. Nature is a constantly changing mesmerizing work of Art.
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Ugh this is a beautiful piece. I want to go there. I need an escape desperately.
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Hope you get to see it. It is like no other. Visited it twice and I saw and felt two different amazing views and experience. Can’t wait for the next. Thanks.
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This place looks absolutely stunning and divine…. stress cannot get near if you get to be here even for a few minutes per day 🥰🥰
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It’s a secret beach that is not visible from the road. People discover it word by mouth or by curiosity. Thanks.
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As a mom of almost four and a girlfriend or spouse to my partner, it is challenging to discover the things that reduce stress. Reading through your post, I can call a few of it by name (not the actual name, but pinpoint what it is). The rest feel so silent and lightweight that I’m not sure if it’s there!
Your post is inspiring. The tone of writing is how I used to write before freelancing. The images in the post is breathtaking! I can see my partner do the same thing once he sharpens his photography skills.
But… I guess, for now, we all should take it day by day and push to feel stress free as much as possible.
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Thank you. I felt a connection that is kind and calming in your comment. The pandemic intensified all our stresses but it always go back to people’s attitude , behavior and action. Unfortunately People became more mean , unjust, prejudice, unfair, greedy, selfish. What’s happening in the news is happening in our workplace, social groups, even among people we consider Friends & Family. In a way, it’s a blessing because it just made more transparent those we can trust and what matters the most. It help us see ourselves like looking in the mirror. It made us care for ourselves again. Take care.
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Those image are very nice and your writing too good
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Thanks . Nature everyday gives us a new page to feel alive and inspired.
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Beautiful pictures and beautiful way of detailing the experience👌
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Thanks. There is a story to every adventure both seen and unseen. Many times we forget the details and writing out thoughts and reflections help us see the was, even something new.
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So true.
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Thanks
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Pics are really great man . I wish that you always press your button of upgrade in photography . Hope for better photography in future this is really awesome pics…
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Thanks . I’m still using my iPhone 8 Plus camera. I stop buying hi tech cameras and phones. May be when the crack on my monitor gets bigger , I’ll upgrade. Nice to not pay much on cell phones for awhile. I appreciate the motivation.
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Keep it up
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Wow! What a great place to visit.
Hope you are having your time.
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It’s a blessing to live close to Nature that still keeps surprising 5 years after following a dream. Coastal California is to me what is California Dreaming means….sun, sun and surf.
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It surely a blessing. I’m missing all these so badly due to lockdown.
It’s the sense of peace to be with nature.
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Hope lockdown and covid be over in your side of the world. It’s incredible how life is now now in the U.S. with the vaccination. I just wish vaccination happened simultaneously across the world and not just first world country first. Even in vaccination, it’s never fair. Take care.
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I hope the same. Though vaccination process is going on here but not as fast as it should be.
Hope for the better days.
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Thanks
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Pingback: 4 Mile Beach of Anti-Stress – MobsterTiger
Let the stress fly away with the wind. I had to drop a comment to say that the photo with the cliffs and two paragliders is brilliant.
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It was my favorite scene that day. It was the perfect definition of freedom and just being lost with nature. No worries, no cares, all bliss, incredibly alive. Thanks
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* sorry, as I accidentally pressed the ‘enter’ button on my computer before tweaking a few grammar mistakes, they are now clearly visible
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No worries. It happens to me a lot. Same with the auto texting in my phone. Thanks 🙏
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Just by looking at your wonderful photos and taking in colourful wildflowers, gorgeous blue sky and thinking about the lapping waves and the ocean I can already experience a calming effect on my mind. I am sorry to hear works been stressful and I am glad to had a chance to espece to the coast where you could breath in the ocean air. It is one of the best ways to calm your brain, relieve your stress, and make you healthier.
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Thank you. Coastal Nature is my favorite instant therapy from the stress. My dream refuge is to live close to the ocean, which may not be in California because everything by the beach cost millions. For now, it’s day trip adventures which is really fun and exciting. Besides, California is all about Sunny Summers and Dreamy Road Trips forever.
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Love the pictures! So…naturistic!!!
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Yes, Nurtured by Nature is the best rejuvenating , refreshing, renewing adventure. We all need it. Thanks.
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I agree! You’re welcome!
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🙏
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Beautiful relaxing ocean shore shots and much, much more … back to Nature for sure!
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Thanks. Nature is always home and adventure.
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These are beautiful and amazing pics!!! They feel like the definition of kindness to self. You are absolutely right, that isn’t preached about enough. So glad you got away. I’m glad you and your family are dinging healing in the Great Outdoors! I have yet to make it to Big Sur but it is on my list! Thanks for posting
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We grew up in a culture that serving and sacrificing for others first beginning with our families. Love is equate with giving to others to a point nothing is left for self. To love self and being kind to it is even considered selfish by those who should know and understand us the most. It’s only in recent times that we are truly acknowledging self worth and importance. I believe we should encourage people to try being happy for themselves and not made them feel guilty of it. Our world will really transform into something kinder because of it. One life, we live it right. Thanks.
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what a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing your photos.
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Thanks. It was more than I imagined. Nature truly is amazing.
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Yeah, it’s dear
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Thanks
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Sorry to hear that work has been stressful. It’s always great to take some time away from work to decompress. But yes, it’s good to find ways to cope with the stress and anxiety once you return to work. This is something that I struggle with as well. It’s sometimes hard to separate work from home life, especially these days when we’re working from home. Spending time outdoors is part of my coping mechanisms as well. It’s a great distraction and hiking helps tire me out so I usually sleep better at night. 4 Mile Beach looks gorgeous and sounds exactly what was needed!
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Thanks for the inspiration. Yes, outdoors helps a lot with stress. Also help us focus on what’s really important. For now, work pays the rent but if there is an opportunity to find a work that makes me happy, then that would be a nice future blessing indeed. For now, we try to cope and just do our best. Some battle we can’t win, but we can adjust ourselves so it doesn’t wound us as much. Happy weekend.
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All the best on your search to find another job that makes you happy. In the meantime we’ll just focus on life outside of work, because that’s what really matters. Hope you’re having a good weekend so far. Take care.
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“Take a break from what breaks you” The kind of line that really makes you think…really interesting and thoughtful piece, great read 🙂
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When we write from the heart, surprising and raw reflections happens. It makes us see our internal hidden selves like looking at the mirror. So much sad, painful truth and reality came in the open with the long pandemic. It showed how many are truly are, both individuals and society. It’s in the news and our communities are not exempted. They are part of a bigger picture that is so wrong. Whether change happens, Hope is not enough. People need to change first and try being selfless. Thanks 🙏
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I am so very glad to hear you took some much needed time for yourself to recharge. And that you recognized the need to do so.
The father and son time sounded amazing! And that scenery and beach is truly breathtaking.
That big rock facade at the top and bottom of your post is truly something else. I can imagine all your worry and stress just flowing away being surrounded by all that!
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Thanks Ab. We all have our ways of coping and breathing. Adventure is not just about fun but more knowing we still alive and everything we do make sense and matters. It was an amazing Father and Son discovery. We hiked and climbed , played close to the water and got our shoes wet. It was wonderful. It’s back to normal here in California healthcare wise. We even see possible covid patients in person. We’re not really afraid of it anymore. Summer hopefully will finally be Summer unlike last year. Take care my friend.
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That is reassuring and hopeful to hear that things are back to normal. The rate of vaccination certainly is impressive.
Things are opening up over here and daily case counts down almost 75% in two weeks which makes me feel hopeful about vaccination efficacy.
Let’s hope for a normal summer as possible!
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That is great news. June 16 2021 will be pandemic Independence day sort of in California as most will be back to pre-covid. It’s a huge win and I hope it will serve as an inspiration that hope is real and we can win over the pandemic when we work and cooperate together. Summer will for sure feel like Summer. Thanks.
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That is such a great way to enter summer. Congrats and enjoy every well-earned moment!
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Yes. Summer is my favorite. At 8 pm, sun still out which means even if we go out late, so much time to enjoy life. Thanks
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I love the longer summer days. We have daylight now till about 9. It’s so lovely and rejuvenating.
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We enjoy Summer for as long as we can. I just wish I could ask for more time off. But every now and then works too. Happy Sunday. We’re about to drive to Montara, waiting for our to go Gyros.
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Mmm, gyros on a Sunday night sounds delicious!
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Amazing photos! Such beauty. I found the past year that outdoors highly reduces my stress and frustration. I gained weight last year (well, and the year before that!). This year I ate better, and am keeping up the outside walks. No beach for me, but we still have nice outdoor areas. I have lost 14 pounds this year (10 more to go), and also lowered my cholesterol that had gone up. Keep up the outdoor activity. For me, much better than the gym, mentally.
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Congratulations. That is a winning achievement. I Haven’t lost weight yet, & I think stress is the top factor. Had to find a way to beat it. But will be focusing too with exercise and food moderation. Happy weekend and thanks.
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Mesmerising beauty of ocean and gorgeous nature 👌🌷🙏
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Thanks. It is a beautiful place.
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I don’t really have much stress in my life now, but I do remember what a killer it was. Glad you could break free, if only for a little while 🙂 🙂
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It’s unfortunate that the work place I used to be excited and happy of going stopped being a place of just culture and equal opportunity. Employers can’t force their employee to be happy at work if employees don’t get treated fairly and preferential treatment is a norm. But I guess, I should be grateful I have a job but I always believe we should get at least what we give equally and for now, my work place is not reciprocating the above and beyond effort of its most skilled and hardworking assets. A company is only as good as the front liners that represents it. It is really sad because we are serving the sick and they pay for their service. They should at least get their money’s worth. Something we are never allowed to speak. Injustice is everywhere, not just in the news. Thanks.
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🙄💕💕
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🙏
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This looks absolutely stunning. What a great place to visit
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Off the Map kind of adventure. Thanks
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