ONE DAY BEFORE A NEW YEAR~LESSONS LEARNED

If you have been holding on to unnecessary people in your life, let them go.

If you have been clinging on to some old memories for too long, let the past go.

If you have been haunted and bound by past mistakes, it's time to let them go.

If you have been afraid and stopping yourself from being who you truly are for too long, let all that self-doubt go.

If you have been insecure of your abilities and afraid to take risks for too long, let go of the loser mentality.

Wise words from a wise woman!  I thank her for the inspiration.

I have long subscribed to this philosophy. It has served me well.  I choose to look into a kaleidoscope and see an array of beautiful colors, lights and forms than to be stuck in the muddle of chaos and drama. I think often of that kaleidoscope when I am fighting back tears. One of the most difficult moments in my life is giving someone else a hug, when I need it the most.  Fighting back the tears in my eyes when I am wiping off someone elses's.  Listening to someones grief when I want my own misery to be heard.  Being the reason someone smiles when my own smile seems to be lost. 

Being the strong one isn't always the easiest job in the world.

But you know what, eventually, you will find that your own problems don't seem quite as big, or insurmountable, or laborious when you give of yourself to someone else.  Sitting and thinking endlessly about yourself is a big fat waste of time, as far as I am concerned.  Analyzing yourself has its place sure.  But there comes a time and place where you need to get up off of your tuffet and get going!

I assume most of you have a dog and understand the beauty and joy of that.  My dogs over the years have taught me greater lessons than anyone else in my life. 

Blackie taught me that if you had a friend nearby to cry with that life would eventually get better.  Lady taught me about death and loss and an overwhelming grief that one day lessens.  Charlie taught me exuberance and playfulness and how to nag someone endlessly until you get what you want.  Lulu taught me that even if you are a very large dog about 100 pounds you can still be afraid and alone, and she taught me that nothing is better than someone who loves you deep down inside.  Penny taught me that life isn't all play. Life is about helping others and serving even when your own pain is crushing.  Wally has taught me to not walk into a dark room for fear I step on something furry.  Annie taught me never to give up even if someone is on the verge of death.  Death can be beaten back. Spunky taught me unconditional love and that nothing feels better than a warm little body under the covers, snuggling close on a cold night.  Molly taught me that risking crossing a freeway to save a dog you never met ultimately brings you a friendship that is incomparable.  Casey taught me that letting go of a friend you have had for 21 years is acutely painful. Kelsie has taught me that if she is close by, I feel safe.  Gracie has taught me to be her eyes so she has someone to trust inside her dark world. Colonel has taught me that having three legs isn't so bad.  And most importantly, they have all taught me about love. 

Sleep well friends.  Dream about what your dogs have taught you.