Nov 2025 Musing on Pause…

Think about a time when you overreacted to the behavior of an animal friend… You know, the moment that you regret and want to take back?

Nothing?

Think some more…

Still nothing? No big surprise.

If there is something, you probably have gone to great lengths to repair any damage that may have been done.  You may still have trouble letting go and forgiving yourself, even after making amends with your animal friend.

What about the same kind of moment with a human? One where you kept feeling more and more uncomfortable, but rather than speaking about your discomfort and creating more discomfort, you shift to avoiding and telling yourself a story that makes you feel better…until the person goes “one step too far” and triggers a full-on retaliation because “somebody has to say something!”

This is a great contrast. We tend to have a lot more compassion and ability to be honest with our animal companions than we do with our human friends and family. Our animals allow us space to be comfortable with our discomfort. They don’t judge us based on their own standards; they see us where we are. They are aware of our stress, dysregulation, and reactive behaviors in our bodies. They look into our hearts and have the capacity to see the good in us, which leads us to feel it for ourselves.

Since we are all biologically programmed for survival not harmony, it is in our nature to get defensive when we feel uncomfortable, anxious, or afraid. Our bodies respond with dysregulation, which is fight or flight mode. A good system for survival, but not so much for harmony.

So, as the holiday season kicks into high gear this week, remember to pause.  Are you dealing with discomfort or danger? Can you extend the same grace and compassion to your human friends and family as you do to your animal companions?

Hit reply and let me know if taking a pause has shifted your understanding with an animal friend.  Did the awareness spill over to your interactions with people? I read and respond to every note.

Spirit animal: Penguin

Work with Penguin energy when you are seeking balance, connection, or integration.

They are both black and white, provider and caregiver. They are birds that don’t fly. They help us navigate paradox and trust our intuition. They guide us in dreamtime, and while navigating the vastness between black and white. They live in colonies and share order and dignity. They live successfully in water and on land. Penguins hold a lot of “both” energy.

Consider Penguin power to boost balance and find your space of ease.

 Behind the scenes…

I have been working systematically on crafting a manuscript that is philosophical and deeply personal about our animal friends in this time and place and the relationships we share with them. I have missed deadlines, worked with a book coach, and even passed on a publishing option. I worry constantly that I’m not delivering the message that I want to share. I overthink every word that I choose and wonder how it might get twisted or misunderstood. I struggle with imposter syndrome and quality writing…which is kind of funny because old-school writing standards and conventions are long past their prime.

The irony is these challenges are exactly the things that the animals have taught me the most about.  I can’t be concerned by all the external pressures because I have a Divine light that wants to shine in this time and place from the inside out. And so, I continue to play with words with the intent to shine some light on how our animal friends lead us to becoming better humans.

Personal note…

Thank you for allowing me to land in your inbox. I hope you will find time and space to enjoy the simplicity of connection and joy that is available in tiny sparkles of light and energy all through the holiday season.

I’m always interested in what you are thinking. Let me know how the animals in your life are inspiring you or what you are musing about!