Always Learning
I feel bad about my last journal...I feel it sounded whiny and selfish, however, I did speak to feelings others have had and they found it relatable. So in that way, it served a purpose. I guess most things do.
I felt I was owed time, emotional support and consideration because I had freely given it before. It doesn't work like that. If I had freely given those things, there would be no strings attached and no expectation of return. If I choose to give, and I do, the joy of helping another is reward enough. When you give, you recieve. I believe that, but it can't be demanded. One of my favorite teachers, Dr. Wayne Dyer taught that when you want something in your life, give it away. Love, compassion, friendship, companionship, whatever...give it away...that's where you find your joy.
As always, our dear Joanie cut right to the heart of the matter. She gently told me that when the people I reached out to could not help me, it's because they couldn't help me. It's not for me to judge their reasons, they are fighting their own battles...and keeping score in this journey will only bring heartache.
Today I was blessed with a mission...to transport a sweet, loving dog from a high kill shelter to a rescue where she will live until she finds a forever home...or the rescue turns out to be her home. Either way, she was saved, and I got to help in a small way. When she looked at me with her chocolate brown eyes, I saw sadness, trust, forgiveness for others of my species that had not treated her well. She wagged her tail and gave me a kiss. I never shy away from doggy kisses. She kept me company for the trip, and once again, for about the millionth time, I pondered whether God had made a mistake, giving us dogs. They give us so much more than we deserve, or they want to...Why didn't He keep them for Himself???
Please forgive me when I feel sorry for myself. I have done it quite often and certainly will over and over again. But it's all relative isn't it? When you pick up a severely malnourished dog from a shelter who has been mistreated by humans that look like me...and she can instantly forgive and trust me and give me a kiss, it puts things into perspective.
Love Always,
Gina
Replies
Always learning!!!! That’s the key. I’m always thankful when Joanie, or anyone else, puts things into perspective for me.
And man oh man, don’t our furry friends teach life lessons. Very grateful!
I'm a life long learner too dearest Gina, and the answers I have most often discovered are within me and if I can just BE still long enough to tap into what I'm feeling it's there. Sometimes too having hearts with ears is the key so that I can hear myself into healing so to speak.
You took care of your furry friend and your furry friend took care of YOU. I think you have discovered a calling and one that is needed sorely, I know.
Hand in hand, Heart to heart always,
XO Joanie
Amazing work you are doing, Gina with those fur babies. The love they feel from you and what you get back from them is priceless. Awesome!!
I think our fur babies are a blessing - sometimes they fill a void of loneliness, stillness, being accepted (regardless of our mood), that we are looking for in others, but most of the time aren't able to get. We as humans can only give so much and even then, don't come close to meeting all of the other person's needs.
Sending hugs & love, Gina.
Vicki
Gina, it's ok to say what you need to say here. It's how we grow.
I love what you do for animals! So glad that wonderful dog is out of the high kill shelter! I bet Cassi is so proud of her mama!
And I'm with you...I feel I learn so much from animals. Their unconditional love, their ability to forgive, how loyal they are. And how healing are doggy kisses? I take them whenever they are offered!
Love and hugs, Linda ♡
If you don't express what you need how will you get it. Joanie has healing words, I have learned a lot listened deeper and have healed with words from all our SOTH.
Hugs Penny
Please never stop sharing what is in your heart, the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is a place where we can let it all hang out. No judgement, just love and caring. Our furry friends are a blessing. We brought a white kitten home after Lisa's funeral. We still have her. She gives us cuddles and gets in to mischief (we have a cat scratched sofa). She gave us a reason to get up in the morning. Enjoy the doggie kisses! Tight hugs, M