Category Archives: Relationships

Posted on

What’s The Perfect Gift?

by

christmas_star_banner_13543With Christmas a day behind us, now the hustle and bustle to return gifts and then prepare for the New Year begins. Yet, there is one gift you cannot (and should not) return – the gift of friendship, the gift of love and kindness.

This year has been filled with so many different accomplishments, events and new people in my life – things I never ever envisioned for the year.  The entire took a complete 360 degree turn and seemed out of control but in actuality it all had a purpose and was aimed in the right direction for me.  I learned a lot about myself, a lot about people, a lot about friendship and even more about metaphysics as the year unfolded.

Of everything that transpired this past year, what I learned and experienced about friendship was the most important. From people I didn’t yet know to those whom I’ve known for years the value of their friendship became so important to me as the year went by.  I found out that some people are just interested in appearing to be friends but don’t really care whether you live or die whereas others really care and will do anything they can to support you when you need it. They are willing to stand by you no matter what happens.  For the first time in my life I ran across sociopaths and was “taken” by them.  I was hurt to the quick – the power of the sociopath is amazing. But as my heart recovered from the betrayal I found other people who were true in honesty and integrity and were virtuous beyond compare. Boy did I learn the true meaning of comparing “apples and oranges”.

But the friendships that came from the betrayal were solidified by them as well. They were made stronger because of the betrayal. We all moved past the hurt and into other realms of existence. More powerful and happy realms. As long as we learned from our experiences, those experiences were not bad. Their intensity died out as time went by and the power of the true bonds grew.  I am grateful for everything that happened this past year. It definitely was a year of growth and love.

Enjoy those who are around you because you never know when things will change in a split second. My other friendships were of that nature and we all learned to value each and every minute of our lives because you don’t know what lies ahead – and by ahead I mean a couple of hours or even minutes. Take this to heart even though you hear it all the time. Always consider how much you really care about someone before you open your mouth in anger or in hurt. You don’t know what your next words (if you get that chance) will be. Illness and injury strike without notice.  Love everyone around you and keep them around you – and most of all, let them know that they are loved.

Also love yourself and take care of yourself. This is essential. If you do not take care of yourself, you won’t be able to live life to its fullest; you won’t be able to fight off the bad times; and most of all you won’t be able to give to others. So, make your first priority yourself and your health.

Think back on this year and use the events and accomplishments as marking points for what you’ve learned about people and friends in your life!

Terrie

Posted on

Who Surrounds You?

by

I had a great day yesterday and I realized that it all had to do with the people I was around. There was nothing unusual about the day but I was surrounded by several different groups of people – first were professionals at a doctor’s office (routine checkup) and my appointment was early in the a.m. – they were short handed because people were sick and out of work. But they remained friendly, happy and professional. That attitude is contagious for sure. Then I went to a store to look for a new bed and the gentleman there was friendly, professional and helpful. He understood when I said I would be back after lunch. Then I had lunch with a very good friend.  We ate and talked for 2 hours and had a wonderful time. After lunch I went back and purchased one of the beds that Frank (the salesman) had shown me.

I left the bed store feeling almost “high” – and I realized it was because of the fun I had had with people all day long. Their positive nature had been infused into my being. That’s what we’re talking about when we tell you about vibrations and how we’re affected by the vibrations around us.

Since we’re still in the beginning of the year (although you should do this at any time during the year) it would be really helpful to you to take a look at those around you and how they influence you.

Are they always happy? Are they sometimes happy?

Do they think that life is going well? Do they complain all the time?

Do they support and encourage you or do they tell you “don’t bother with that – it won’t work” or “you’ll never succeed”?

Listen to the language that surrounds your being. The thoughts and words inside your mind are vital in determining where you are in life and where you go. BUT just as importantly are the thoughts and words of those close to you. It doesn’t even have to be close in an intimate way but time wise – meaning your work relationships since you spend so much time there.

It may be time to do your “spring cleaning” regarding your relationships too. Simply ask that you be surrounded by those who have positive contributions to your growth. Ask that those who are not contributing in a positive manner be eliminated from your life.  Realize that you’ll be nervous about this initially because it’s “hard” to lose “old friends” but it’s important that you only be surrounded by those that will be positive factors in your life.

Have a terrific week!

Terrie

Posted on

Love

by

Where’s my food? As I’m still working with my doggie, Jackie, trying to nurse her back to health, I’ve realized that there are many things I’m doing differently in the last two weeks that just “isn’t me” – and it’s all because of Love.

So take some time today and ask yourself what you do, or even what you would do, for love? What would you do that takes you beyond where you are this minute.

Here’s some examples from my life:

I’m cooking for Jackie twice a day (granted it’s just boiled lamb or hamburger but it requires extra time and effort). Anyone who knows me knows that that’s just amazing because I am NOT a cook.

I’m not staying late at work to “catch up” nor am I going to work early to “get ahead”. I’m spending as much time with her as possible.

I’m taking her for at least one walk a day and sometimes two. As soon as we get up at 4 a.m. we’re out the door. She has a doggy door so I don’t NEED to do that but it’s something she enjoys.

I’m essentially living at the grocery store (not really). I would go to the grocery store once a week or once every two weeks before – probably because I don’t cook..ha ha…but now I’m going almost every day to get something different (whe I was trying to find what she’d eat) or to stock up on what works. This takes alot of time too.

I’m having to say “no” to things that I know would be bad for her – her biscuits for example. That’s hard.

I’m taking time off work to take her to the Vet. I don’t even care if it’s in the middle of the day.

You see, my priorities have changed even though she should have been my first priority all along. And as such, my activities have changed.

What do you do for love? Answer that question and examine what love is all about. I’m finding out more and more each day. I hope this helps you find out too.

Terrie

Posted on

Me, My Dog & I

by

Crystal & Jackie   This week’s theme  has been about relationships. And although we don’t often think of the topic as referring to animals, that is one of the most important relationships we can have. For me, the last 10 years has been very special.

10 years ago after losing my two Siberian Huskies to age and illness, I agreed to serve as a “temporary” home (1-2 weeks) for two other Siberians that were two years old. Well, anyone who is a dog lover can figure out how that went.  After a week I was hooked. In fact, it was so eerie because these two seemed to take on the personalities of the two who had departed. Thus, although I had sworn not to do this, Crystal and Jackie entered my life.

I had no other family at that time (my brother didn’t re-enter the picture until 2005 or 2006) so these 2 year olds were my family. And they were just like any other two year olds. Rambunctious, always getting into trouble, but so very loving and lovable. When I had a bad day they would do their best to cheer me up and take care of me. And they did a very fine job of that!

The years pass so quickly when you have established a day to day routine. And our years did. Even when I retired and moved from Virginia to Texas and bought my current vehicle because it was “the one” that they would be able to travel the 1700 miles in, they were prominent in my thoughts. I would try to ease their anxiety when the house had so many people in it for my two garage sales and my friends helping to remove things so I could “downsize” for my move. Then there was the night the house was completely empty and we slept on the floor in sleeping bags. They were right there by my side.

They made it across the states better than I did although I was the one most excited. But they benefited when I got lost in a gigantic national park – we stopped and they got to investigate and were quite happy with all the smells.

Things weren’t so great when I first got here though. The fence that I had had put up allowed the neighboring dogs to growl through and I thought I was going to have to move. But I was able to have the fence fixed (most expensive fence in San Antonio I think).

Anyway, we got settled and the years went by. And as usual I took everything for granted even their love. They were the center of my attention but I am not sure that I showed them that enough.

Crystal Crystal was a trouble maker but she was always so proud of her trouble making – the birds she brought in and the possum she killed in the house. She just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t as ecstatic as she was. She chewed up my books, got things off the tables and counter and on and on. She was a 2 year old in an 11 year old body.

Then one day she started coughing. A week later she passed over the “rainbow bridge”. What a tumultuous week that was.

 When she left us, Jackie and I both were emotionally distraught. But we drew together. We walked Jackietogether, cried together and found a completely new relationship with one another.

I found that she was such a well behaved dog. I didn’t have to “doggy-proof” the house every time I left. I could leave doors open to the rooms, I didn’t have to worry that she’d eat my books – nothing. She was perfect. And I hadn’t known it all these years. I had not been able to see her for the two of them. So, I feel I hadn’t treated her the right way and I know I had not had the benefits of the fantastic relationship we’ve had this past year.

She’s been sick for the past 2 months and we’ve been trying to get a handle on it. But, Tuesday, my vet said she might have to be euthanized because she had stopped eating. I was simply crushed. Although I have seen her in such pain over the past two months, there have been great times too.

My emotions were mixed – did I want her to suffer any more? Could I stand to see her suffer any more? But then there was the selfish part of me that simply said “What am I going to do without her?” and that was when reality set in. I really have no family that’s close (my brother just came back into my life and there’s no one else). My neighbors and coworkers are very close but they have their own lives. Every single day for 10 years it’s been me and the girls or me and Jackie.

Wednesday fortunately, the specialist vet said he wasn’t ready to give up on her yet and wanted to try some other treatments. I was ecstatic. Especially since I got her to eat salmon and some boiled potatoes finally. We’re not out of the woods yet but I feel a whole lot better.

And I can tell you one thing. She is going to know that I love her every minute that I’m around her.

So what’s the point to all this? Take stock of your relationships. Are you neglecting to express your thoughts and feelings in any one of them “just because”? Don’t wait until it’s too late and then try to make up lost ground like I’m trying to do with Jackie.

Do it today. Take stock and ACT!

Terrie



Posted on

Me, My Dog & I

by

Crystal & Jackie   This week’s theme  has been about relationships. And although we don’t often think of the topic as referring to animals, that is one of the most important relationships we can have. For me, the last 10 years has been very special.

10 years ago after losing my two Siberian Huskies to age and illness, I agreed to serve as a “temporary” home (1-2 weeks) for two other Siberians that were two years old. Well, anyone who is a dog lover can figure out how that went.  After a week I was hooked. In fact, it was so eerie because these two seemed to take on the personalities of the two who had departed. Thus, although I had sworn not to do this, Crystal and Jackie entered my life.

I had no other family at that time (my brother didn’t re-enter the picture until 2005 or 2006) so these 2 year olds were my family. And they were just like any other two year olds. Rambunctious, always getting into trouble, but so very loving and lovable. When I had a bad day they would do their best to cheer me up and take care of me. And they did a very fine job of that!

The years pass so quickly when you have established a day to day routine. And our years did. Even when I retired and moved from Virginia to Texas and bought my current vehicle because it was “the one” that they would be able to travel the 1700 miles in, they were prominent in my thoughts. I would try to ease their anxiety when the house had so many people in it for my two garage sales and my friends helping to remove things so I could “downsize” for my move. Then there was the night the house was completely empty and we slept on the floor in sleeping bags. They were right there by my side.

They made it across the states better than I did although I was the one most excited. But they benefited when I got lost in a gigantic national park – we stopped and they got to investigate and were quite happy with all the smells.

Things weren’t so great when I first got here though. The fence that I had had put up allowed the neighboring dogs to growl through and I thought I was going to have to move. But I was able to have the fence fixed (most expensive fence in San Antonio I think).

Anyway, we got settled and the years went by. And as usual I took everything for granted even their love. They were the center of my attention but I am not sure that I showed them that enough.

Crystal Crystal was a trouble maker but she was always so proud of her trouble making – the birds she brought in and the possum she killed in the house. She just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t as ecstatic as she was. She chewed up my books, got things off the tables and counter and on and on. She was a 2 year old in an 11 year old body.

Then one day she started coughing. A week later she passed over the “rainbow bridge”. What a tumultuous week that was.

 When she left us, Jackie and I both were emotionally distraught. But we drew together. We walked Jackietogether, cried together and found a completely new relationship with one another.

I found that she was such a well behaved dog. I didn’t have to “doggy-proof” the house every time I left. I could leave doors open to the rooms, I didn’t have to worry that she’d eat my books – nothing. She was perfect. And I hadn’t known it all these years. I had not been able to see her for the two of them. So, I feel I hadn’t treated her the right way and I know I had not had the benefits of the fantastic relationship we’ve had this past year.

She’s been sick for the past 2 months and we’ve been trying to get a handle on it. But, Tuesday, my vet said she might have to be euthanized because she had stopped eating. I was simply crushed. Although I have seen her in such pain over the past two months, there have been great times too.

My emotions were mixed – did I want her to suffer any more? Could I stand to see her suffer any more? But then there was the selfish part of me that simply said “What am I going to do without her?” and that was when reality set in. I really have no family that’s close (my brother just came back into my life and there’s no one else). My neighbors and coworkers are very close but they have their own lives. Every single day for 10 years it’s been me and the girls or me and Jackie.

Wednesday fortunately, the specialist vet said he wasn’t ready to give up on her yet and wanted to try some other treatments. I was ecstatic. Especially since I got her to eat salmon and some boiled potatoes finally. We’re not out of the woods yet but I feel a whole lot better.

And I can tell you one thing. She is going to know that I love her every minute that I’m around her.

So what’s the point to all this? Take stock of your relationships. Are you neglecting to express your thoughts and feelings in any one of them “just because”? Don’t wait until it’s too late and then try to make up lost ground like I’m trying to do with Jackie.

Do it today. Take stock and ACT!

Terrie