a walk with a dog

There are two things I have realized of late with startling clarity. The first, is that life is busy....and I don't even have kids! But my work is demanding...and I've realized that it is very easy to become a victim of job creep...where despite your best of intentions, the hours that you begin to spend on work (even work that you love) start to take over other facets of your life. And about 2 1/2 years ago, I had made a promise to myself that I would not do that...that I would not become defined by my job. And yet, here I am: blogging infrequently, taking few photos, even missing walks with Sophie in order to work on that presentation, send that email, finish that analysis. And so, I discovered my second realization...it is important, every day, to remind yourself of what you value in this world...of what is worth spending time on...of what is truly in your heart.

My job, that I do love, is important and worth spending time on...but not so much time that I miss out on other pieces of my life. And it is not more important than Sophie. I was reminded of that again today. In the last few weeks, Sophie and I have started running after work by the river that flows through our neighbourhood. Halfway into our run, there is spot where she can access the water. On every run, as we near that spot, she kicks it into high gear and throws herself into that river with gusto...delighting in splashing and swimming around. And to see my girl so blissfully happy makes my heart soar. It makes me grin from ear to ear every single time. And I have yet to find a presentation or a spreadsheet or a meeting that does that. Taking some time each day to hear the sound of Sophie's paws hitting that water is a small thing...and, I realize, is one of the most important things in my life. Because work will alway be there, that water may always be there...but those paws won't.

Sometimes, in this busy life, I forget that a walk with a dog will often remind you what is truly in your heart.