Last night I learned something in an instant that I most definitely wasn't expecting. The circumstances may seem trivial, but when something in your brain gets triggered you can't help but thank the "straw that broke the camel's back."
I was out walking my Dad's new puppy (Maximus); he is 10 weeks old and absolutely adorable. I love dogs and had a great one growing up, but this is the first time I'm an adult and get to watch a puppy grow up and actually appreciate it. As we were walking back into my building, his paw got caught under the door and he starting yelping/screaming whatever you call it. It was loud and his face was devastating, he limped over to me and just collapsed in my arms. I rubbed him and carried him back up to my apartment. He clung to me like I was his savior. In that moment, I knew what it felt like to care about another thing or person, one that you are responsible for and feel the pain that they do.
I have loved many people, my family, friends, boyfriends etc., but the love you feel for something essentially helpless that is relying on you to live every day is completely different. Besides showing me that I am totally and definitely not ready to have children any time soon, it also gave me a glimpse into the power I have in this world. For the next five days, I am in full control of giving this puppy his life, his food, his shelter and the love he needs. This can be translated into so many areas of our lives--sometimes we may feel powerless, but in reality, we are in constant control of how we treat ourselves, how we treat other people (and animals) and how much of that power and control we use for good and how much for bad.
It is not something that is tangible nor measurable, so how can we harness it?
1. Look at yourself in the mirror every morning and recognize that whether you are single or in a relationship, whether you love or hate your job, whether your body is how you want it to look, it is still your life. You are the only person who gets to live it.
2. You have what it takes to make someone else's day. I think we all know that sometimes even a stranger complimenting us on something can completely change our mood around, imagine if it was someone you love and value. Let those people in your life that you value know that they do. You can never tell someone you love them too much if you truly mean it.
3. Change the f'in world. All of us can, I promise you. Not everyone of us will give up every material possession and volunteer our life to improving other's lives, but all of us have the power to change the world in one way or another. Don't be afraid to explore what you are capable of.
4. LOVE. there is so much power in love. In my eyes, maybe more than anything else. More than money, fame etc. As cliche as it sounds, when you love someone, something, an idea, a dream, you will find a way to make that known. And you can. You are given that opportunity every single day. This is one thing I say take advantage of it might just be the ultimate understatement.
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