Kindness and curiosity

I hope this note finds you well this holiday season. I've had a busy, transitional past few months and I wanted to take a few minutes to catch up with you.

If you're not one to get all misty eyed about pets, then go ahead and close this page and go about your day. I won't be offended; promise. But I do think our four-legged companions offer us much the in the way of lessons. I wanted to share just two here because I believe they're on point with the season and the time of year.

Bozeman was a part of our family for more than 12 years. He was a magnificent dog, full of his own quirks and comedies. More than anything else, however, he was kind to everyone. Kindness counts.

We said goodbye to him in early September, just as the leaves were beginning to change and the world began inching toward its fall slumber. I was ready, but I wasn't ready. This goodbye was forever.

And the world got quieter still.

I quickly realized it was a bit too quiet for my comfort; the silence felt heavy and oppressive. So despite warnings from a few people about getting another dog so soon, I felt drawn to look around. It wasn't very long before I located a 14-week old puppy whose eyes conveyed a kind of knowing I can't articulate here. He knew and I knew. There were more lessons to be learned and paths to be shared. Together.

And the silence gave way to a faint tempo.

Hobson waddled into our lives with healing kisses and a spunky but somehow old nature. With him, he brought a combination of playfulness (which for a six-month-old puppy often shows up as stealing shoes and bringing pine cones into the house) and innocence.

But there's something wise and curious in his eyes. Curiosity matters.

I'd like to invite you to examine where kindness might be missing in your life. Whether to yourself or to those around you. Where can you offer more of it? And what would that feel like to add more of it into your world?

I'd encourage you to tap into your curiosity too as a New Year approaches. What have you put off? Where would you like to visit that you've long-listed because of other obligations? What would you like to do?

Listen for the tempo growing in your life. It's out there, behind the silence.

Here's wishing you and your family and friends a warm and happy holiday season.  

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe.  We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made."  ~Roger Caras