My best veterinarian ever-- Dr. Davis--not only took care of my pets, but also was known to impart wisdom upon me a time or two. (Like me he is retired and enjoying his grands) I distinctly remember two specific nuggets he put on me while tending to the furry family members. His clinic was on the route I often ran during my years of running the roads and trails. He told me, "I have never seen a smile on your face when I pass you running. Why do you run?" WELL NOW---in hind sight---keeping in mind today's aches and pains from overuse (I never do anything half way) maybe I should have been walking or certainly running fewer miles. The best thing about running was finishing today's run. THAT gave me a great feeling of accomplishment! The feeling of accomplishment and the camaraderie of fellow runners made the pain all worth while. But the act of running ---was work and sometimes sheer torture unless I got in a zone (very seldom).
I am smiling in this photo--it was taken BEFORE the run began-LOL! During that day's run through some of the local neighborhoods, we ran by a group of children out in their front yard watching all the runners go by. One child yelled, "That's the old lady who volunteers at our school." I was the only volunteer in the group---SIGH! What WOULD THEY SAY if I ran by today??
The other nugget of wisdom came when I took "Tibby" in for a check. Tibby was a "Little Crazy" as he bit everyone but me if you got into his space. When we went for a vet check, he had to be muzzled or he would tear into them--all 10 pounds of him. One particularly stressful visit, the vet announced, "You know they act just like their owners." I was speechless. I couldn't remember every biting anyone! OR was I guilty of using my mouth to bite in a more subtle manner? Did I use verbal bombs to lash out? IN the name of joking was I actually inflicting harm on the recipient? Our words have so much power--it has taken me decades of life to learn to choose them carefully. I am practicing keeping my mouth shut--everyday. As Momma taught me, "If you can't say something good, say nothing at all." Wise words!
"Kind words are like honey-
sweet to the soul
and healthy for the body."
Proverbs 16:24
I wish I had a dollar for every time my mother gave me the same advice, Lulu.
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Our wise mothers ❤️
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