Friday, December 9, 2011

my true north

I was at a training course for work this week where I was asked about meaningful moments in my life...moments or events that have affected me and changed me. And even though I work in the pet industry, I still found myself hestitant to mention that bringing a dog into my life was one of most profound, life changing, events ever for me. I was still unsure about how people and even my colleagues would react to that...how it might be percieved. But this course emphasized the importance of finding your true self...and how that would impact and help me as a leader. So, I got brave about the lessons my Sophie, and all the other dogs I have met along the way, have taught me, and I shared that experience with no holds barred.


And what I found was the same reaction that I find everytime that I talk about Sophie: I found comraderie...and empthay....and engagement....and that people were inspired. I found like souls. Or as Anne Shirley from Green Gables would say...I found kindred spirits. And it wasn't because I was speaking "dog" persay to group of pet lovers...it was because I was being genuine...and authentic about the experiences in my life. If I had to put it in it's most basic and fundamental language...Sophie guided me to my most authentic self. And that is what has made the difference. That is where I have found joy...because that is where I have found me. And that is what truly resonates with people...authentic experiences.



It took me a long time to get here...and I never saw it coming....a life found from following a dog. And the lesson, I think, is to be open to unexpected experiences because you never know where they will lead you...no matter how small they may seem. If you are willing to throw your whole heart into those experiences they will change you....and you will never see the world the same again. I looked into the eyes of a dog one day and felt life change....I felt a shift in consciousness. From a dog, of all places. And it's a story that I tell again and again, even when I am unsure of how people might react, simply because it's the most profound truth that I know...it's a story that has real meaning. And I am hoping that my truth not only helps other lost souls find solace , but that it will help them realize that inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places....as long as you are open to it. I do know that I was I was lucky...Sophie found me when I needed her the most, even though I didn't know it then. Because I never would have guessed that when I brought this tiny puppy into my life that she would end up being my compass...my true north...guiding me to the life I was meant to be living. So find your compass in this world..find your true north....because it will never fail to lead you to authentic joy.

8 comments:

Tucker The Crestie said...

Lovely post!

Rae said...

Your words moved me to tears. I understand completely. There is little that can compare with the love of a dog. Nearly 60 years old and I can honestly say the best parts of my life have only been made better because of the dogs that shared those years with me.

Carolynn Anctil said...

There's no reason to be shy about the love you feel for Sophie. She's a beautiful soul.

We're very eager to add a dog to our family of felines...*sigh*...soon, I hope, soon.

Far Side of Fifty said...

I think the clue is "Kindred Spirits" people that have dogs in their lives or like I say "Paw prints on their hearts" will understand. Those that don't have pets or have never allowed themselves to love a dog deeply and freely will never understand.
I still miss some of the dogs I have had over the years..my heart is all tracked up.
Merry Christmas to you and Sophie! Chance says Hi too:)

T said...

Beautiful post!

dikvipreal said...

Thank you for sharing.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Happy New Year!! Best wishes to you and Sophie and Eldora in the New Year! :)

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing this, it's beautifully written...What you share with Sophie is something special that you should treasure, don't feel shy about it :)