Be The Change

December 31, 2009

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi

A full moon hangs low in the sky on this last morning of 2009, and I watch as it dips over the top of the mountains, its warm glow kisses goodbye as the sun rises opposite in the eastern sky. Once again, without a breeze, the chimes play a soft song above my head and I whisper a good morning to Cain. His love is all around me, and I miss him more than the words on this page can convey. I’m so sad, but I also know that the lessons he taught me would sadden me further if I chose to keep them to myself; his love and message is far more tremendous than all that I feel now.

I recently read something about a New Year’s Eve celebration that said to come celebrate and say goodbye to one of the worst years ever. I think of how sad that sounds, and how silly to think that one night can change the world. The year has been difficult, but to call it the worst sounds so futile, like an excuse to place blame on the things only we can change. In thinking about my own life and the many changes, I still can’t say this was one of the worst years ever. If I choose to see it that way, it overwhelms me to the core. There certainly were days when I felt like giving up; days that I let the bad overshadow the good; days that I did not welcome the world with open arms.

I remind myself how I felt prior to mid November, when I breezed through each day, enjoying each moment, and treating it like an adventure. I liked that feeling. I learned new things and made many new friends, and most importantly of all, saw the world through the eyes of a beautiful canine soul and my best friend. What a shame to call it the worst year ever when there was, and still is, so much good. My thoughts take me back to an afternoon in September during a celebration of 438,000 hours, when with little effort and the help of wonderful friends and family, we were able to raise over $1000 for shelter animals. It only took a couple of hours to achieve, and I made a promise to myself to keep the momentum going, no matter how small the steps.

Now I sit on this eve of the new year contemplating change. I’m not one to make elaborate resolutions that I can’t keep. My 2009 resolution was to floss every day, which by the way, I kept! And as far as standard resolutions go, I’ve lost 15 pounds since November, don’t feel the need to exercise any more than I already do and I’ll continue to eat whatever I want for the rest of my life!

That being said, the change I wish to make in welcoming 2010 will be in the spirit of 438,000 hours with a New Year’s resolution to inspire people to make a difference in the lives of animals. In honor of Cain and every dog that has lost their battle with cancer, and for those that continue to fight; for the millions of shelter dogs that are destroyed each year, and for every dog that has been abused and discarded. For each and every one of the dogs that directly or indirectly share our lives; I invite you to join me in working together to make a difference in the lives of dogs and all animals.

It doesn’t take much, and you’ll always get back what you give. With a fond farewell to 2009, I welcome 2010. Happy New Year to all and keep flossing!