the "o" word

Many people in this world find the "f" word in the English language offensive. While I find it rather boorish and overused, I really do not have a problem with it.
I take offense with the "o" word.  

Before I tell you what the "o" word is, I thought that we could explore some enjoyable words that start with the letter.

Obnoxious. This word is very present tense and unmistakable.
Obsessive. Clear and active word.
Objective. This word is calm but positive.
Optimistic. A pleasant word that is straight forward.
Ornery. This can be good or bad.
Opinionated. Generally, this is a strong word but it can be annoying when it pertains to politics.
Obsolete. This can be a depressing word.

I guess you get the idea. The "o" word that I have a problem with is Ordinary. No other word screams that a person is settling for "less than" more than Ordinary. 

Here's to being ORIGINAL. 

So, when someone asks how we are -lets not settle for "FINE". 
That is another four letter "f" word. Maybe we could just be ORIGINAL and true to ourselves? 

it will come to me

Words have great power and can carry so much meaning.
But, there are many times when a person can be at a total loss of them.
Sometimes a person's reaction -with no words at all- can say it all. 

A person can talk till they are blue in the face, but will not be believed if the body language does not match. Honesty in voice, mind, spirit and stance must synchronize and match. Actions have got to match the story.

Dogs are excellent barometers to whether people are telling the truth or not. If your dog does not like someone, listen to that dog! You will not be lead wrong.

My words have been sparse concerning this blog for the past couple of weeks. Life is precious and a couple of my pets have serious health concerns. I am still at a loss with some of what is going on, so I cannot write about it right now. Too close. Too tender.

Does life ever slow down or do we have to stay still when the important parts happen? Centering myself and trying to "keep calm and carry on" is daunting. Emotions churn my stomach and I cannot see more than two hours ahead.

I wish everyone a genuine Monday. 

pharmaceuticals in the canines' lives

At this time in our pets lives we are juggling the medication schedule for six different pills, two eye drops, and one ointment. Three different dogs require the medication, and two of them also require eye and or ear drops. Our two year old English Bulldog named Violet still has to wear the cone to protect her eye, but the good news is that her scratch is healing. She  has adjusted to the protective collar, but she still hates it. My mopey girl thinks this device is forever.  She doesn't understand.

The humans in our household are blessed to only have to take vitamins and supplements. An  occasional pain reliever or allergy pill sometimes, but there is nothing to administer for the humans like there is for the dogs! 

This blog is not about complaining today, it is actually about gratitude. I am thankful for the medical care to help improve our lives. The responsibilties for these "children with fur" is not as overwhelming today as it was yesterday. I had a nights sleep (that was pretty decent) and I am ready to carry on.

It is a good day to get outside and get some sunshine on my head and be thankful for this day in May. 

Happy Wednesday.

Let it Go

I do not always understand.
Sometimes my personal stubbornness or blinders skew the whole picture. When I get too far away from my true self, generally I get clumsy. I fell yesterday. I was mostly embarassed and suffer from a sore wrist, and bruised knees but I know myself. It is time to look at where I am on my own "List".

The generic horoscope in our local newspaper today stated  "You would be a lot happier if you allowed others to take the reins. Consider everything you could do if you didn't need to be present." This is interesting and appropriate.

A caregivers hardest job is preserving and highlighting his or her own life. Understanding that this is not a dress rehearsal should be freeing. To live a life with intention is a grand goal. A life with intention is not shallow, boastful, or selfish. It can be considerate, humble, and selfless. Perhaps an intentional life is payment for the opportunity to be alive?

The way that a dog lives is interesting to watch. Whether is is a play time, nap time or bedtime, the dog generally gives in fully to the activity. There is not a huge internal fight as to whether or not they should rest or not. The dog is not concerned with the work of the day or the schedule for tomorrow. The dog just does it.

Seth Godin writes "Worry is not preparation, and anxiety doesn't make you better." in his ABC book for grownups. It is not a coincidence that I read that today.

My dogs are pretty considerate, humble, and selfless. You can argue whether their lives have intention or not, but I know for sure-- that they are more free than I am. 

I should just do it. Hold on to what is important, and change and grow-- for my self, no one else.It is time to be less clumsy and more happy. No more tripping myself.

my perception is my reality

The morning snores of bulldogs napping is music to me. These gentle furry friends stop my "analysis paralysis" and keep me in the present day. I learn so much from my dogs. 

I made the mistake of getting on the computer this morning BEFORE I got some work done. Not a good idea. When I do this it tends to put me in a mental slow motion that will stick until I break a sweat at the gym. Contemplation of two separate ideas seems to be how I am starting my Tuesday morning.

The first idea is a relevant quote  by Byron Katie- posted today, stating 

"Discomfort is the call to set yourself free." 

The second idea is a quote on Facebook on George Takei's page:  
"One awesome thing about Eeyore is that even though he is basically clinically depressed, he still gets invited to participate in adventures and shenanigans with all of his friends  And they never expect him to pretend to feel happy, they just love him anyway, and they never leave him behind or ask him to change." 

This second post is old in the social media world, but is something I should remind myself of daily. Many people in the world deal with depression and some of them are clinically depressed. I need to love them where they are at. They need to love me where I am at.

What would the world be like with less struggle and more gratitude? My discomfort would lessen and I would be set free. I know that when I search for the good I always find it. I just need to put on the hip waders and walk through the sh*t. Persevere and get some perspective. These times do not last forever and I can make the most of what is here. I should stop expecting the bad. I am tired. 

Trust. Faith. Hope. 

when you cannot fix it

Loss is hard.

It is not at the time of loss, because shock sets in and is a needed coping mechanism. At that time the situation is so new that a person scurries and tries to comprehend. The mental paralysis at the time of loss buys the hurting person time.  

It is in my nature to want to fix things. My "bulldog stubbornness" and tenacity can be attributed to growing up in a large family with modest means. There was lots of activity in the house and if I wanted to be heard, I better be loud. 

It has taken me decades to realize that I cannot fix everything or everyone I love. There is no bravado in the last sentence, just honesty and a guilt that I need to release. How do I release the guilt and not replace it with bitterness?

My inability to repair is not from lack of effort. It is from my naivety in thinking that help is always wanted. Help is not always wanted. This is the place in my brain where I must welcome personal wisdom and grow-- I must not visit bitterness and allow it in. Bitterness will rob me of my present day.  This is a struggle because I am tired. 

Kindness has to start with me. I have to be kind to myself first and work on my personal repair list. I cannot bring back what I have lost, whether it be a dog or a person or a dream. Baby steps. Two hours at a time. Sunshine on my head as spring approaches.

It starts right now.