I am making an effort to blog more...I have always loved to journal and I've loved to write since I can remember. I recently applied for a writing position for a photography blog and figured I might as well work on this blogging habit. Even if I don't get it, blogging has always made my heart happy so, in an attempt for more happy, here we go.
I took Maya and Finley for a walk early this morning....early as in 530 AM...I think all three of us were wondering what exactly I was thinking getting us up so early but I have been making a conscious effort to take better care of myself--I've been dropping weight and working exercise into my day on purpose and not just because I skipped a meal. Anyway, we have finally mastered the coupler for walks and I love it. We walk in unison, as a team, and for a brisk 40 minutes, we know each other enough to know everyone's next move. My dogs are my family...they love me so unconditionally and their loyalty is unfathomable. As I briskly walked them and commanded, right turn, left turn, straight, sit, and wait, I realized that there are few relationships in my life as truly reliable and remarkable as what I have with my pups.
It is entirely true that I have the most amazing friendships. I have had my very best friend for 8 years now and my longest friend who is more like my sister since I was 6 and the friend who gave me my precious Godsons and calls me her sister and a newer friend who came into my life last year and has completely become this permanent piece of my heart....and many other close friends. they're amazing. I can tell you at least 10 people, aside from my fantastic parents and brother, who would walk through fire for me....but I can promise you Maya and Finley would make sure that was a last resort because they'd be all over it first. Okay, let's be honest-it's more Maya than Finley but don't tell him that :)
I also realize there are two kinds of people....there are dog people and there are...well....not dog people. I really don't understand that not dog people category....I get that they're work and that I have to use a lint roller every day (and everyone needs one by the time they leave my house) and that I have dog toys all over the floor sometimes, but I can't imagine not doing any of that. Even when my own life is busy and I just don't want to. I will always choose them.
And, in all of that, I realized just how fortunate I am to have quality relationships in my life....I am blessed with the best people, hands down. God hand picked each of them for a reason and I couldn't be more thankful for how they all play into my life. We laugh so much....laugh until it hurts and my heart is so full. they share their family with me....and their children beg me not to leave when it's time to go. it's amazing. I never knew how much I would love that--that their kids choose me, their family invites me to the things they love, and that they care so much about including me in everything.
I often realize that if I hadn't been through all of the really hard stuff in my life, I wouldn't be here at all. Had it not been for the decision to take a chance on love, I would not be in Manitowoc. I would not have the friends I do....and I most likely would be using my English degree to write some boring newspaper articles that I hate every single day. I wouldn't have my business, my friends, my career, my house, or my dog hair filled life.
It is so true that life's experiences change you....and that God gives you what He knows you can handle. Sometimes, He even wants you to fall so you learn how to stand back up. I always hated that--you know that He trusted me so much to deal with all the ugly stuff.....but I've learned I need to trust me. My heart is resilient and I am stronger than I think. I know God is leading my life and that he hand picked my losses and triumphs....even when I didn't want the hard stuff.....it's never been my choice. I'm learning to embrace that because I do believe there is a beautiful plan. I believe that someone will walk into my life again and take me by surprise and I believe that someday hypothetical Henry won't be hypothetical.
So, this morning, on a brisk 40 minute walk just made me all kinds of thankful. It was a beautiful start to this Wednesday and I am left feeling warm and fuzzy which is my favorite kind of feeling.
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