Its -22 outside,
-30 with the windchill and yet I still find myself bundling up in layers to
take my four legged, furry family member out for her morning walk. How is it
that this ball of fur who cannot talk using words, speaks so loud and clear
with just a look and a wag of her tail?
This may seem like a goofy thought; however, it got me thinking about
quiet communication. One of the greatest
lessons I have learnt this past year is the value of and the necessity to
listen to the quiet subtle messages, lessons and directions. It may be the crying of body parts to rest,
or the longing of a relationship requiring attention or maybe the heart being
pulled in a direction that is opposite from the one you have travelled for so
long. Whatever the message is, it should not be ignored as it usually has a way
of becoming much louder and in a more determined form.
To say my year
was one of roller coasters with crash and burns along the way is somewhat an
understatement. I think it’s safe to say that my last two years has seen more
changes in all areas of my life than the entire 10 years before it. I haven’t
always handled it well or with much grace and have questioned my sanity and my
direction many times along the way. So what can I say of the year of the
dog? Honestly I’m glad you are over. Now
please don’t get me wrong, although trying, it was a year that gave a lot of
realization and clarity. I have been confronted
with more uncomfortable, painful and frustrating moments than I would care to. I can’t help but wonder that perhaps these
were all moments that had been coming for quite some time but because they were
more subtle they were easier to push aside.
We live in a
very loud world with a multitude of things competing for our attention, money
and time. It can be very distracting and easily lead a person off the course of
where they truly NEED to be. This leads me to a much different place than I
envisioned myself at this point. I have found myself listening to the soft
quiet voices of my heart that are gently pointing me in a different direction.
This change of direction may not be understood by others and may not even be
fully understood by my own mind at this point, but I believe my body and heart
know better than my confused and doubting mind.
So although I am glad the year of the dog has come to an end, I am in a
weird way grateful for it. It has led me and helped prepare me for the changes
2019 is bringing.
Alana Regier
She is eager and ready to go, I am not!
The place I would rather be, Grande Cache in the summer, no layers required!
