Day 286
2/26/23
I recently finished a new book by Joanna Gaines entitled, "The Stories We Tell." It was worth reading and possibly rereading to dig deeper into her thoughts. However, one key idea dealt with carrying "things" that you might need to simply set aside.
My Goldens don't seem to have any concerns about yesterday or tomorrow. They simply live in the present...perfect for a dog, but not always possible for humans.
As I read her life story, I started to deeply understand her meaning of carrying things through life. For me, there have been challenges, sadness and loss on my journey. I carry all of those with me.
There have also been miracles, joy and love which are also part of my bundle. Imagine physically carrying each part of your life as if the memories are small bundles. If you hold too many, your arms will buckle with the weight...some items might even fall from your arms and be lost without you noticing.
For me, I have been examining these parcels I am "carrying." As I take a closer look at each of them, I am beginning to realize I don't need to carry all of them anymore. There are items "in my arms" that I have no control over or can't fix. I visualize myself taking some of those packages and placing them in the basement storeroom. They will never be forgotten, but it is useless to lug them around everywhere I go. My load is becoming lighter.
As for the items I choose to carry with me, I now have time to nurture them, feel gratitude for their weight in my arms, and make certain I don't drop any of them by accident.
We all carry so much with us...some more than others. For me, I have given myself permission take some of them and place them on a shelf. My arms are lighter and my spirit is lifted as I focus on those parcels that I can revere and actually take care of.
Lilly? She has no packages to carry at all and that allows her to focus on loving others without hesitation. That is the life of a dog. As I place more parcels on that shelf, perhaps I, too, can be more loving without hesitation.
