Doubt, Determination and Power
It’s been a while since I blogged. Life has been crazy but good. We recently adopted a little dog named Eli. He an almost two year old Shorkie who is a lot of fun! He’s such a loving boy and has brought so much happiness to our family.
I also turend GULP “the big 3-0” last month! I had an amazing time celebrating with my family(of course little Eli! It’s been a super exciting time and I’m now in a place where I feel like I can blog again.
The past two months leading up to this have been rather shaky, I knew that I wanted to adopt this little guy but had a lot of doubts. We never had any pets besides fish when I was a child. Taking on a dog that you don’t know is a slippery slope. Will you really enjoy caring for the dog? Will the dog like US? These are the questions that were swirling through my head. If this was the wrong move, it would have such an impact I wouldn’t want to experience. It will be traumatizing for us and the dog. I don’t want to cause trauma to a being dependent on me.
You see one of the scariest parts of adulthood as been responsibility. And yes I know what you’re thinking OF COURSE IT IS. But it’s not the kind of responsibility I’m talking about. Yes, paying bills and showing up at work are stressful. But being responsible for your actions can be terrifying! It’s especially scary when those actions have an adverse effect on someone depending on you. If you have a strong conscience, you know what I’m talking about. Is that BIG, grown up decision I made going to be good for the people I care about? Did I move to a safe neighborhood where my children will receive a good education? Did I buy a house I can actually afford? How will this job offer impact my family? Is bringing a family pet in the right move? Is this nursing home the right one for my aging parents? The list goes on and on. I can sit here all day with questions that breed self-doubt.
The doubt we have is a very strong emotion because it never truly lets up. No matter who we are, we doubt the decision we make. It can make us feel blurry on what actions will benefit everyone in the end. Having doubt is hard but it’s part of the human experience and we have to accept that. However, we must work hard to persevere through it.
If a choice feels right, it probably us. I’m a big believer in trusting your gut. Our mind likes to play tricks on us and people like to challenge us. But if you can physically feel it, chances are you are right.
I had a lot of doubts about getting the dog. I tried to tell myself I didn’t need this and it’s the wrong decision for all of us. But like a YO-YO, it kept coming back to me. Yes, yes you need this and it will have a positive impact on all of us. And guess what? I was right!
I challenge you all as we wrap up this year and head to the holiday season by ignoring your doubts. Make the move and take the “risk". Try something new. Try something you don’t think you can do. I’m here to say you will probably be pleasantly surprised. Even in times of deep doubt, with enough perseverance you will discover your power!
