The Gift of Knowing Your Purpose
Nothing is the worst thing that can happen to us. ~ Richard Bach
I took this photo of Coco during one of our walks along the beach during yet another gorgeous Malibu sunset. You can see a small seagull on the left edge of the water break. Whenever I look at this photo, I go directly to this very moment. Skylar was alongside me.
My “gift” with Coco and Skylar was learning how to find my purpose through our experiences together, 17 years together to be exact. Today, I know my purpose. This is my gift. Experiences (good and not so good) inevitably must happen to realize what gifts are bestowed upon us.
Many times I looked at my pets and would get myself caught up in future thoughts that would immediately turn to fear and sadness. Mainly, because I was thinking about what my life would be like without them. I wanted to freeze time, but life is not a string of “nothings”. Life consists of everything.
Wherever you are on your journey with your pets, stay in the moment. Your pets certainly do! And, if you are without a pet right now, learn from your Spirit animal guide(s) by keeping an open and clear mind! This is how they communicate. It’s all energy. You will receive messages.
If you get caught thinking future thoughts that only exist in your mind, by the way, you miss out on the present moment. Living in the moment is a lifestyle habit that is easier said than done I know, and a necessary life tool. Especially, when you are dealing with a senior pet.
The rewards and blessings of animals are amazing and being present while they are with us and without us is still necessary for healing at every level.
Take your moments and be grateful for everything. Even the difficult and sad times. Find the good. There are always two ways of looking at any situation. What you want and the opposite of what you want, what positive feelings you focus on, and the opposite of positive feelings. You do have a choice no matter what is happening.
Many people get caught in blame or guilt mode. Think about the good at the moment. Blame resides in the past, in your mind.
This is a lifestyle habit that starts today (wherever you are in life). It’s a momentum build. So, when you come face to face with more challenging times, your build-up of momentum is already strong. As you face daily life situations with your senior pets, you can and will handle it strong!
Start with easier things to find the good in, like the smell of a rose, the smell of fall, and a comfortable pillow!!! Appreciate what you have today, right now. You have a choice.
Create your foundation of momentum right now. Don’t wait. As a lifestyle change, it does get easier the more consistent you are.
Simply be right here, right now. This is the only place in every stage of your pet’s life and yours.
A book that you will find helpful is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. His words come from the place of a true survivor. I find it inspiring.
Life can be difficult for all of us on a normal day. And those days when the sun is shining and you’re already struggling, know that planning your self-care helps tremendously. Similar to maintenance on your car or seeing what the weather forecast has in store for us next week. Prepare as best you can.
Find yourself now keeping up with your feelings of well-being so that you can prepare yourself for more difficult times as they naturally occur. Your gift can never be taken away.
