PUPPY ADJUSTMENT
I’m all about personal freedom.
It’s not about politics or governments (to a degree), but I’m talking about having control over my day and being the boss of my time. Everyone has 24 hours in a day, and my goal is to command each one freely.
Yes, I’m a creature of habit, I like the routine. However, I also want to set these routines for myself. Hence why, even though I always wanted a dog, I hesitated because I understood what it means.
Something out of my control.
My wife Paulina also wanted a pup, and over the years we talked and talked about it. We made pros and cons lists, discussed it and had logical arguments. However, I could always come up with a reason why now it wasn’t the best moment, that it would limit us too much.
Then the pandemic and lockdown happened, and we started to talk about it again.
‘Ok,’ I said ‘If you can find the one you’d like, let’s do it‘.
She did, and a couple of weeks ago we brought home a little pup named Benji.
So what can I say after these few days?
Well, I was right. My days are fragmented; it’s challenging to stick to my daily routine as the little guy requires constant attention when he is awake. Nights are interrupted for crate and house training, and we have to manage to do work and run a business on top of it all.
He is a smart puppy and no doubt he will be an intelligent dog, but I’m not going to lie, I had my doubts about the whole situation. I worked hard to get my schedule in order, so a sudden change to that didn’t make me as happy.
However, a couple of days ago, there was a moment.
In the evening hours, I went outside with him and looked over as he was slowly exploring the garden. He sat on the ground, listening to nearby sounds of birds chirping, neighbours and distant traffic.
So I sat next to him without a phone, without a Kindle or any other distractions and I looked at clouds turning red, how the leaves are moving in the wind. I focused on my breath and observed the surroundings as we sat there for around 45 minutes.
Meditation and mindfulness helped me a lot in the past. Even though I usually put a guided meditation before sleep and try to find moments of peace throughout a day, I can’t remember last time when I consciously sat down to meditate on my own.
That moment reminded me how important it is to simplify, to pause, to be still.
It’s a difficult task as I like to work, I enjoy being busy and like most people, have a lot to do!
So yes, thank you Benji puppy for reminding me that maybe what I do is not that important, not that serious and how much I enjoy being still.
I look forward to sitting with you in the years to come.
I reckon we’ll be fine.
