Stories of puppy dogs and decisions made with confidence and awareness.
“Didn’t you have anything better to do today?”
These were the words of my parents when I called them to joyfully announce that I had just adopted Spritz, an adorable little dog from the shelter. Although I do not remember exactly the year, it has been more than 20 years since then.
I wept bitterly that night, convinced that I had screwed up immensely. Although I grew up with the idea of always following my own view of what is right, the feedback, opinions and judgments of those who gave me life always carry significant weight. When such opinions are negative, they seem to weigh like an anvil.
After all, it is assumed that those who brought us into the world know more about ourselves, and so, on reflection, how could I blame my parents? I had just moved into a new house, alone, and my work kept me constantly away. How could I think I could properly care for a little dog? What kind of irresponsible person had I become?
Yet, one thing I was certain: I had never behaved irresponsibly. Somehow, I could not afford it. “Duty first, then, if possible, pleasure,” “Duty comes first,” “You simply did your duty,” were phrases my brother and I had heard since childhood, which always guided us, like it or not.
However, in that particular case, I had behaved irresponsibly. In short, things were quickly resolved with Spritz: my father, the supreme and incorruptible judge, accepted my new little dog as part of the family, so when I could not be there, he was there. I may have made a grave mistake in not making an accurate list of pros and cons, but in the end Spritz brought joy and happiness to everyone, even winning my father as his companion.
“Huge” screw-ups are one aspect of life, but from what perspective are they evaluated? Often, the opinions of others can seem negative and heavy as an anvil. However, it is important to consider the thoughts and judgments of others in your decision-making process, even to the point of neutralizing them or making them your own. In the end, the decision is yours.
Recently, we adopted Lucy, a visually impaired dog. There was no shortage of objections: “You don’t know what she will be like,” “It’s a huge commitment,” “Why complicate your life?” But then, some people offered their support. My cousin Piera, in particular, said, “If you take her, I will help you. She is visually impaired like me!”
In my life, I have always asked The Question of Questions in every situation,
“Why yes?”
This time, there was no valid “no.” My instinct, my gut, had already said yes, and the proof was that I had already named her. Despite rational objections and doubts of the heart, the signs were clear:
“Why yes!”
This year, I decided it would be my year of yes. I was going to start from the premise of “yes,” questioning “no.” I had no idea that adopting a visually impaired dog would be part of this adventure. But in the end, what does it matter? So, yes!
How will it go? It will be fine, because when you make a decision, that decision becomes right. The rest doesn’t matter.
So, without further ado, I introduce Lucy (in the picture with my niece Veronica 😍).
I invite you to take the time and space to develop your own methods, tools and processes, so that you can choose the right path at that well-known crossroads, which is full of signs, but more than anything else, full of external influences to neutralize and make your own.
