What’s In a Name?

From the Office of Grace Fischer….

Because I did such a great job writing September’s My Pawsitive Lifestyle Blog, Mom entrusted me with this month’s post. But what to write? I didn’t want to let her down, so I pondered my assignment for days. Still, no ideas came to mind. Then, as I lay by the front door enjoying the toasty sun and licking my paws clean, I glimpsed a wondrous sight…my reflection in the glass. Like magic, the idea I had been waiting for came to me: G-R-A-C-E.

Did you know Mom knew my name, Grace, several months before she adopted me? She even wrote it on her vision board with a photo of a dog below it. I’m not bragging when I say this name suits me perfectly. But there is so much more to my name than meets the eye. Each of its five letters holds a key that unlocks a power word that reflects my deepest wish for you in the coming new year.

What’s In a Name?

G—Gentleness: When my dad first visited Santa Fe he said, “I’ve never heard the earth so quiet.” I agree. Life can be very loud and overwhelming. I should know, my ears hear things four times farther away than yours do. So, in the coming year, I not only wish you a quieter, calmer, and more gentle life, but that your every step touches the earth as gently as my paws do.

R—Release: I’m not sure why humans hang onto emotions that no longer serve them. My nose can smell when others are feeling anxious, sad, or angry. Once upon a time, I came from an awful place where I felt frightened all the time. But now that I live in my forever home, I’ve released my past. I won’t live as long as my human parents. Every minute is precious and there’s no time for me to waste. So, if you’re holding onto anything that you know it’s time to let go of, do what I did, and let go!

A—Appreciation: Most mornings I wake Mom up with a dramatic yawn, which makes her laugh before she throws her arms around me. For the next few minutes, she tells herself all the things she’s grateful for. Big things like my dad, our home, and her friends; and tiny things such as the snow falling off the trees, something funny she’s heard, or the red of a winter flower. I do the same thing; finding glimmers of appreciation in my dog bowl, from my daily massage, and our walks together. During this holiday, I hope appreciation visits you and becomes the friend you never ask to leave.

C—Curiosity: They say curiosity killed the cat. But my curious nature has led me to find many fine and memorable moments. Like the time Mom went to a neighbor’s party and left the side gate unlatched. Clever me snuck out and waited for her on the neighbor’s doorstep–for two hours. Or the time I spied a bean burrito on a table waiting and, with stealth and finesse, slipped it into my mouth. Ok, I guess curiosity has gotten me in trouble a time or two, but I hope you conjure curiosity in the new year and follow that path wherever it may lead.

E—Endurance: In her book, Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse, Mom wrote about a nurse, Bronnie Ware, who learned what most people wish for at the end of their life. The courage to live true to themselves, to work less hard, to express their feelings, to have stayed in touch with good friends, and finally the wish to allow themselves happiness. In the end, love is what mattered most. The enduring nature of love is a quality we canines excel at. I wish it for you and for all the world in the year to come.

Thank you for your time, for being supportive of my mom and her writing, and for all you do to help animals like me live a healthier and happier lives. May all animals be free.

Happy Holidays,

Grace & Carlyn 💜

PS. If you’re looking for more power words to inspire your day, be sure to check out the many inspiring words, quotes, and fun gratitude prompts in Paws for the Good Stuff. Books make excellent holiday gifts, especially when they’re about animals and their human friends.

What one power word resonates most with you? Please share it in the comments below. We’re all ears!