The life lessons my sweet dog, Visa taught me. I no longer worry about my dog dying, in fact I don’t worry about anyone I love dying. What my sweet dog Visa taught me was that if I am to worry; I should worry about: did I say good morning beautiful, did I give her a hug, did I celebrate and find joy with her in the moment, did I give her a treat, did I take but a moment to throw her the ball and did I tell her how much I love her, each day, everyday. Visa also taught me that miracles do happen we just need to humble ourselves and ask.
Six weeks ago my husband and I found ourselves on our knees next to Visa surrendering to a greater source than ourselves. It was at this time that with tears of gratitude we thanked Visa for the many years of companionship and love she gave us and it was at this time that we tenderly asked our Heavenly Father that if it was in His plan to take her then to please show mercy and take her in her sleep. However, if it was in His plan for her to live with us just a bit longer we, in faith, asked for Him to bless her and allow her to heal and start her recovery now. Miraculously enough Visa did start her recovery immediately and within three days she was out retrieving the newspaper in the morning. And since then there has not been one day that goes by without me saying, good morning beautiful.
This life lesson can be extended to ourselves, yes of course we can apply this to others but can we apply it to ourselves? It is through my photography that I am most grateful when I can convince my clients of the truthfulness of the reflection in the mirror. Can each one of us look each morning into the mirror and say “good morning, beautiful?” Can we celebrate and find joy with ourselves in each moment? Can we pause from our busy schedules and treat ourselves to those small things in life which bring us great joy? Can we feel that warm embrace from the reason for our being? Can we look in the mirror and be accepting without expectations or judgment and say I love you? Learning this lesson has enhanced my life immeasurably. I offer you the chance to enhance your life with this lesson as well.
Maureen Benoit is a photographer-digital artist and PhototherpistTM. For more information call 661-476-9772 or visit our gallery at www.MaureenBenoit.com.