Be The Change

December 31, 2009

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi

A full moon hangs low in the sky on this last morning of 2009, and I watch as it dips over the top of the mountains, its warm glow kissing goodbye as the sun rises opposite in the eastern sky. Once again, without a breeze, the chimes play a soft song above my head and I whisper a good morning to Cain. His love is all around me, and I miss him more than the words on this page can convey. I’m sad, but also know that the lessons he taught me would sadden me further if I chose to hide them; his love and message far more tremendous than all that I feel now.

I recently read something about a New Year’s Eve celebration that said to come celebrate and say goodbye to one of the worst years ever. I think of how sad that sounds, and how silly to think that one night can change the world. The year has been difficult, but to call it the worst sounds so futile, like an excuse to place blame on the things only we can change. In thinking about my own life and the many changes, I still can’t say this was one of the worst years ever. If I choose to see it that way, it overwhelms me to the core. There certainly were days when I felt like giving up; days that I let the bad overshadow the good; days that I did not welcome the world with open arms.

I remind myself how I felt prior to mid November, when I breezed through each day, enjoying each moment, and treating it like an adventure. I liked that feeling. I learned new things and made many new friends, and most importantly of all, saw the world through the eyes of a canine soul. What a shame to call it the worst year ever when there was, and still is, so much good. My thoughts take me back to an afternoon in September during a celebration of 438,000 hours, when with little effort and the help of wonderful friends and family, we were able to raise $1000 for shelter animals. It only took 3 hours to achieve such good things, and I made a promise to myself to keep the momentum going, no matter how small the steps.

Now I sit on this eve of the new year contemplating change. I’m not one to make elaborate resolutions that I can’t keep. My 2009 was to floss every day, which by the way, I kept! And as far as resolutions go, I’ve already lost 15 pounds since November, don’t feel the need to exercise any more than I already do and I’ll continue to eat whatever I want for the rest of my life!

That being said, the change I wish to make in welcoming 2010 will be in the spirit of 438,000 hours with a New Year’s resolution to inspire 438,000 people to make a difference in the lives of animals. In honor of Cain and all dogs that struggle with cancer, or have lost their battle with cancer; and for the millions of dogs in shelters, and the dogs that share our lives, I invite you to join me in working together to make a change. The special sticker that I created for Cain signifies the unconditional love that all dogs share with us, and Wishcuit will donate 50% of its profits to dog rescues and organizations that treat canine cancer.

It doesn’t take much to make a difference, and you’ll always get back what you give. With a fond farewell to 2009, I welcome 2010. Happy New Year to all and keep flossing!