Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

What if you could have your very own 4th of July celebration and declare your own independence?

Oops – this was suppose to post on Friday before the 4th of July.  Hey, this is me and my new blog, figuring things out!  It’s still not too late to celebrate your independence!

What if you made a conscious choice to start taking small steps toward doing something you really want?

You could make a decision that you are ready to do what you can at this point in your life.

Declaring your independence doesn’t mean you won’t need help, guidance, and support in reaching your goal.

It’s about doing what you can. It’s about taking the next small step.

It may be figuring out what might make a positive impact in your life.

It may be narrowing down the possibilities so you can focus on one thing right now that would make the biggest difference.

It may be starting phase 1 of a long term goal.

It may be choosing to change your perspective and attitude about a situation or a relationship.

While the U.S. is celebrating its Independence this week, how will you choose to celebrate your own?

Please leave a comment about what you want to do.

Our black lab, Nikki manages to teach us a thing or two about living a happy life with her profound wisdom.

If You Want Something, Ask.
Nikki may take this a little far and can be shameless in her persistent pleas for dog treats. But the fact she “asks” for them every chance she gets by trying to lock eyes with us and move us toward the treat jar, as if we are in a hypnotic state, she gets more treats. She keeps us reminded of what she wants and doesn’t assume we’ll remember on our own.

Show Your Appreciation
When you pet our dog and she really likes it, she moans with loud, audible breathing that sounds like Darth Vader. It’s hard not to laugh and keep petting her.

If we had known this about her from the beginning, we may have named her Mona (Lisa) instead.

Enjoy Your Work
She takes her job seriously as Ranch Security around here. She takes great pride in barking at coyotes and raccoons, and chasing squirrels, but wags her tail just the same.

Learn to Relax and Take a Break
This may be one of Nikki’s finest skills. While being in charge of Ranch Security is an unrelenting 24/7 on call business, she takes her relaxation just as seriously.

She knows to be her best, she has to listen to her body. When she is sleepy, she doesn’t fight it. She gives it 100%, takes a deep breath, and surrenders to as many naps as it takes.

Wag Your Tail
If you’re happy and you know it, wag your tail. Good moods and enthusiasm are contagious. No matter what kind of day you are having, when you are greeted with such obvious delight, it’s hard not to respond in kind.

As we mature, we learn not to outwardly show our emotion. Maybe we could let just a little of the merriment out now and again. Perhaps it would be better to show your momentary glee in public by smiling, giggling or clapping. Wagging your tail may have undesired consequences.

Be an Explorer
Using all your senses, especially your intuition helps you to be alert and aware for adventure along the way.

Being ready for a crumb dropped here or a scent on the trail of excitement will make today another really good day.

P.S. I did the painting above with acrylics.

Please comment on this and share lessons you’ve learned from your pet.