True LOVE story.

For many of my childhood years, I sincerely believed my dog was the only one that loved me. Nothing would have been able to convince me otherwise. I know now that was a skewed truth, but can we all agree that dogs ARE incredible companions? They offer an easy path to connection, and the not talking piece is certainly significant! My childhood dog gave me an opportunity to practice being loved.

Did you know receiving love isn’t instinctive for everyone? Early trauma causes one to toughen up, and that often leads to a protective wall keeping hurt out–but also preventing love from coming in. For a LONG time, I did not know my protective measures were the very things keeping me lonely. I’m still learning, but I’m grateful for the early lessons I gained from my dog and the many lessons I continue to learn from the people who share the most intimate details of my life.

By the way, it just so happens that my current dog is sure no one loves me like she does! Not true, but she sure gives it her all.

The real win [on a day that celebrates love] is the progress I’ve made with letting others love me–which allows me to love others better. It is not instinctive for me, but I am capable of learning new things. It might not be quick or without pain, but slow and steady is an acceptable learning speed.

If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming. -Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

#truelove #resilience #sowkind #sowkindmovement

PS-In case you missed it, you can download my new eBook here! I hope you will. ❤