A TRIBUTE TO MY DOGS, for what they taught me about leadership, and for helping me grow in so many ways!

I strongly believe in destiny, and that there is a reason for all the people and beings that are put on our paths throughout our lives. There are lessons to be learned for those that can stop a little to pay attention. I also believe that we attract what we need to grow and evolve. A challenge can make us stronger, and will help us find our own path.

Behind our biggest challenge lies our biggest strengths

... someone told me once, and I am starting to believe this to be true.??

Many years ago I wrote this tribute to my dogs and today I want to share it with you.

I want to propose that they, too, unconsciously hold some lessons and hidden messages for us, if we can just stop and observe.? just like horses, which can easily reflect back some of your greatest fears or doubts, dogs’ behavior has much to reveal …. about ourselves!!!!?

Let me tell you a story ….?

I stand here, still, on a rainy day, in the middle of my forest, observing my dog Mia.??

Full of energy, she is constantly running after.....something!!! Always on the lookout for a rabbit, a squirrel, a bird, a mouse...anything that can challenge her abilities (to catch it) or with whom she can have a playful moment.?

Always on the run, she just enjoys being out in the forest so much. Surrounded by trees, animals, fresh air, she is definitely in her element. This daily walk in the forest is a moment she longs for every day.??

Alert, she sees everything and continuously scans the environment while noticing my every move.? She feels very protective of the people she loves and has strong bonds with her sibling, her big brother Olaf.? It never ceases to amaze me how siblings can be so different. And yet as I watch my 2 dogs, they are quite opposite in their characters, yet I can relate to both of their behaviors.?

Where Mia feels emotionally insecure at times (when others (dogs or people) come too close to me and, in her mind, threaten my relationship with her), Olaf on the other hand feels insecure when the environment starts to be tense.?? If the emotions get high and voices raise around him, Olaf runs away, avoiding conflict, preferring harmony.? When the environment becomes too noisy or dangerous , like when thunder strikes, Olaf runs away, looking for the security, the warmth and the tranquility of the barn (yes, I forgot to mention I live on a farm).?

Whereas Mia is very active and is admired for her drive, intelligence and abilities, Olaf steals everyone’s heart for his loving, tender and caring soul. His favorite activity aside from being pet and staying close to the people he feels secure with, is just laying down on the ground, under the sun, calm, collected and just enjoying a moment of silence and peace. Remaining? unnoticed (or so he thinks ;-)?

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Mia is a happy dog, a free spirit, always looking to play and impress me.?She is quick and eager to learn new tricks and masters them in a snap. She is the fastest dog around and always leading the troops. She is a natural leader.? Other dogs, especially younger ones, follow her around and learn from her every move.?

She is reliable, dependable, always there when I need her. Always by my side!

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Olaf is a big teddy bear.? Loving to be pet and cared for and appreciated by everyone for his kindness and personality. He is the dog everyone longs for!??

Unlike Olaf, which is at ease with doing nothing all day, the challenge with Mia lies in focusing that energy and giving her a purpose. She is an Australian Sheppard dog and her 'natural' abilities and purpose should be to watch Sheep's.? Now without sheep around to watch and care for, and without an owner (me!) giving her another purpose or responsibility around the house (other than guarding it) she finds herself a little lost at times.

Having so much innate abilities (and more to develop) that are not put to fruitful use.?? She could do so much more if only someone would give her the opportunity. Living on a farm, it's shameful that I haven't put her talents to use or spent the time to train her as she deserves!?

How is this related to me you will ask??and what have I learned from them over the years?

Well for one, when I stopped on that day and started to really pay attention to their behaviors, I realized they were mirroring my own traits, patterns and behaviors. They were both reflecting a part of my personality at that time (and still some of it today):

• High energy?
• Always looking for a new project to jump on, that challenged my?current abilities or helped me learn new ones?
• Chased too many things (projects, ideas, …) at once?
• A natural leader?
• Very eager and quick to learn new things?
• Preferring harmony and avoiding conflicts?
• Longing for tranquility and peace?
• Feeling home in nature and surrounded by its beauty and magic?
• Always there when people need me.
• Loyal and reliable.?

And most importantly..... looking for a purpose, something bigger than myself.

Many years have passed since I first wrote this tribute, and tears fell down my cheeks today where I read it again before deciding to share it with you.?

I realize today that like Mia, I was longing to put my innate and learned abilities to use and make an impact.???Focusing my energy has long been a challenge since everything was of interest to me. Curious by nature, I just felt like jumping on every opportunity, every webinar, reading every book that I came across.???

Why is that? I don't know! ?

Why is Mia chasing everything? I don't know! I guess she just enjoys it so much and until she finds another purpose, this helps canalize her energy and thoughts.? ? ?The day she will catch that squirrel, she will move on to catching her second, and third. It'll never end; she will never be satisfied.???

Am I going to be satisfied one day??

Well today I know that the answer is....YES! ?

While I will always stay hungry and curious, I think I now found what I was looking for all these years, and my horses and dogs helped me along the way.?

Here's how...

Whereas horses naturally embody presence, authenticity, connection and emotional intelligence, dogs on the other end are gifted with curiosity, playfulness, care, loyalty and courage.?

Being on the receiving end of beings that are naturally gifted with these wonderful and precious leadership qualities is a blessing. Kelly Wendorf (author of Flying Lead Change) once said:?

When the teacher arrives, listening is vital!?

And so I listened...? and learned the?following lessons about myself and about leadership:

Embrace High Energy with Purpose: Mia, with her boundless energy, taught me the importance of channeling my natural abilities toward a meaningful purpose. Just as she needed a task (like herding), I learned that having direction and focus allows me to use my energy and talents effectively, instead of feeling scattered. We both?thrive with clear direction.?

Being Loyal and Reliable: Both of my dogs demonstrated deep loyalty and reliability, mirroring my own desire to be there for others when they need me. Their behavior taught me the value of dependability and trust, traits that are crucial not only in relationships but also in leadership and personal growth.

Balance Leadership and Harmony: Mia's leadership and Olaf's preference for peace reflect the lesson that true leadership involves both drive and harmony. While Mia led with action, Olaf showed that maintaining peace, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and seeking calm are equally important aspects of being a well-rounded leader.

Know When to Retreat and Recharge: Olaf’s instinct to withdraw during tense or overwhelming situations reminded me of the importance of self-care and taking time for peace. Just as he seeks the tranquility of the barn during a storm, I’ve learned that finding moments of quiet and reflection is essential for maintaining balance in a busy, chaotic world.

Loyalty and Dependability: Like both of my dogs, I exhibit loyalty and reliability, being there for others when needed. This taught me the value of strong bonds and trustworthiness in relationships and leadership roles.?

Always Seek Growth, but Find Contentment: Mia's relentless pursuit of something to chase taught me the value of curiosity and learning, while her inability to ever be fully satisfied taught me that while seeking new challenges is important, it’s also crucial to find contentment in the journey. I've learned to appreciate growth while recognizing that true fulfillment comes from within, not from constant external achievement.

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Like I mentioned at the beginning of my story, I believe there is a reason for all beings that are put on our paths throughout our lives. And I now know why Olaf, Mia and my herd of horses have been sharing my life for the past years.

I am forever grateful for them....and to have listened to the wisdom they brought to me!?

In the hope that this story will inspire you to do the same...who knows what great messages your best buddies have been secretly holding for you all this time :-)

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Warmly,?

Karine?