"I am not what happened to me. I am who I choose to become" —Carl Jung
Introducing, Harper…our 8-week-old Golden Retriever, formerly known as “Green Girl.”
We are in love!💚🐶🐾
Her story is part of my story which inspired this post…
Is your to-do list hijacking your life and your joy?
Is there something you’ve been putting off…a dream, a project, a life experiment?
Maybe it’s planning a college reunion vacation, writing a memoir, or learning to bake sourdough bread?
You know that One Thing that answers the most important question to living a fulfilling life…
A few weeks ago, I invited you to ask that key question:
“What would I love?”
Have you been asking it every day and then patiently listening?
I never ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself—my goal is to always walk the talk.
In fact, I didn’t just start asking myself that question recently…I’ve been asking it for months.
And what was the answer I felt in my gut?
“I would love to be more aligned with my deepest values and unique identity.”
That might sound a bit strange to you, but after years of digging deep into my soul work, that’s how my True Self begins almost every conversation.
And then I patiently wait for more…because this is not a one-and-done process.
I continued to ask that question, and after several weeks, I finally heard a clear answer.
The response created a renewed vision for my life and reminded me of my need for joy and fulfillment.
My inner voice said, “I would love to be a dog family again…I would love to get a puppy.”
So cool! I love when my heart speaks!
But in seconds, my brain took over—logic and analytical thinking are both my superpower and my kryptonite.
I immediately heard a long list of reasons of why I should ignore my heart:
- Puppies are a lot of work…you don’t have any energy to spare.
- Where will you find the time given your already busy schedule?
- Dogs are a significant commitment for many years (Our first two pups lived to 16 and 15).
- Have you seen the cost of dog food and vet expenses?
- You’ll lose the freedom to travel on a moment’s notice.
You know that voice, right?
The one that holds you back and keeps you in your comfort zone?
It’s simply your brain, trying to protect you from change and discomfort.
I thanked my brain for all its protective thoughts (and believe me, there were a lot more than five limiting beliefs)…
And then returned to the most important question: What would I love?
My Future Self had a few things to say:
- Training a puppy will give you more practice in developing patience (yep, I could definitely use more of that). Plus, the reward will be snuggles and companionship.
- A puppy’s curiosity will be a daily reminder to look at life with a fresh perspective (Yep, I need a refresher in a ground-level point-of-view).
- Think of who you want to be 10-15 years from now—a dog is a loyal accountability partner on those cold or rainy days when it would be all too tempting to skip your daily walk. (Yep, movement is key to healthy longevity).
- A dog will become the ambassador and greeter at the front door…welcoming friends and new acquaintances who will expand your opportunities for connection and community.
- You are and will always be…a Dog Momma!
I am a Dog Momma…it is part of my identity…it is part of who we are as a family.
Yes, my family is 100% onboard with this decision.
My One Thing for the next 6-12 months will be training our sweet Harper…
And yes, I will have help and support from family and friends.
The success and timing will depend on our consistency, patience, and willingness to stay curious…like a puppy.
But enough about Harper (for now)…
It’s time for YOU to create a new to-do list where your #1 priority is that One Thing…
And if you don’t have an answer yet…make your #1 priority to ask, “What would I love?”
I’d love to hear what your One Thing is.
Tell me sweet soul…What you would love?
