Dear Pets,
The last four weeks post-surgery have been rough.
And when I say rough, I mean I’ve been rotating the same comfy pants and baggy shirts for over four weeks.
I’ve been keeping medication charts.
I’ve been taking naps.
I’ve watched more tv in the last month than I probably have in the entire last year combined.
I’ve been missing exercise, baths, wine, going anywhere quickly and general contact with the outside world that now feels like a foreign country because I’ve been inside my house too much.
But you, my loyal and sweet dog and cat, have been right by my side through it all. You’ve cuddled close and absorbed my pain. You slowed down to match my pace. You looked cute and made me smile. Pet therapy is a real thing. And I’m so thankful for you both.
With love and appreciation,
A Furbaby Mama
Dear Authors,
I have read eight of your books in four weeks. You’ve kept me entertained while I rested and tried to keep my brain functioning as I take time off work. You’ve reminded me of the power of the written word and my own passion to share what’s in my brain. And you’ve inspired me to get back into a daily writing routine, as well as start a new project I’ve been contemplating for years.
Thank you for helping me find new words,
A Writer With a New Plan
Dear Psychic Energy,
As rough as this month has been, I feel like I’ve managed to rearrange you in such a way that any negativity is transforming into positive juju.
I had my annual psychic reading last week. As always, my session was a practice in reflection, insight and motivation. And although most of the reading wasn’t much more than an affirmation of things I already planned to do and my mom later claimed she could have told me all that for free, I needed to hear it from an objective stranger.
You also went through a cleansing by smudging. I started with my house and finished with my body. My house instantly felt cleared of negative energy, and whatever negative physical vibes were left over from my surgery drifted out the open windows as well. I cleansed, I dismissed, I dispelled.
Best,
A Cleared and Focused Woman
Dear Passport,
I’m starting the process of figuring out how to use you again this summer. Last year was the Dominican Republic. The year before was Costa Rica. The year before that was Turks and Caicos. My list of travel dreams never stops growing. Thank you for helping me satisfy my wanderlust and see fun new parts of the world. I can’t wait to see where you take me next!
Gracias,
An Aspiring World Traveler
Dear Beach,
Since I had my hysterectomy over four weeks ago, you have been my goal.
As my happy place that just happens to be a short three minute walk from my front door, I fear I may have taken you for granted. Even in the winter, I typically visit you multiple times a week. I use you for sunsets, dolphin watching, paddle boarding, reading, dog walks and anytime I need a break.
For the past month, you’ve seemed too far away. The first time I reached my goal of walking to you, I was ecstatic! And I was also exhausted. Too exhausted to do anything but say hello and turn around and head home.
But two days ago, I finally reached my goal. On an unusually warm and sunny near 80 degree day, I did more than just say hello. I visited you for almost an hour and a half. I dug my toes in the sand. I meditated. I stared at bright blue sky as the clouds crept by. I read. I walked to the shoreline with my daughter as she braved the freezing water.
After weeks of not enough fresh air, you were exactly what I needed.
Namaste,
A Believer in Saltwater Therapy
LOVE you Heather! Great read, as always. I love that you talk directly to each inspiration! "Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering."- Ida Scott Taylor
xoxo B
Reading this most recent chapter of your life brought tears to my eyes but the last picture of you and your daughter made them spill over onto my face. Now and only now after reading this do I know you will be OK.
And by the way, always listen to your mother.