Balanced Life

08/26/2023

Just a dog.

From time to time people tell me “chill out, it’s just a dog” or “it’s a lot of money just for a dog.” They don't understand the distance traveled, the time invested, or the costs incurred by "just a dog".

Some of my proudest moments have occurred with “just a dog.”

Many hours have passed being my only company "just a dog", but not for one moment did I feel despised. Some of my saddest moments have been because of “just a dog,” and on those gray days, the gentle touch of “just a Dog” gave me comfort and the reason to get through the day.

If you also think “it’s just a dog”, then you’ll probably understand phrases like “just a friend”, “just a sunrise” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

For "just a dog" I will get up early, take long walks and look forward to the future. So for me and people like me, it’s not “just a dog,” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the memories of the past, and the absolute joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out the good in me and takes my thoughts away from myself and daily worries.

I hope one day they can understand that it’s not “just a dog”, but the one that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog”, just smile because they “just don’t get it”.

“Just A Dog,” by Richard A. Animals.
"Master bedroom," (1965) Andrew Wyeth

08/20/2023

Throughout your life
You have searched far and wide for your purpose
And the reason for your existence

In your job title
Career
Passions
Achievements
And relationship status

However, over time, you have come to appreciate
That you are not here for a single reason or purpose.

There are many identities you may embody over the course of your life
Many paths you may walk along
Many adventures you may embark upon
Many roles you may play
Many goals you may achieve
Many spaces you may inhabit
And many ways you may contribute meaningfully to the world.

Maybe your purpose is to make a room brighter
Simply by being there

To uplift someone’s spirit
Through your care, compassion and kindness

And to improve someone’s quality of life
Through your assistance and service.

Maybe your purpose is to create meaningful, beautiful pieces of art
That inspire both yourself and others
And to pursue your passions
Empowering others to do the same

Maybe your purpose
Is to solve some of the world’s greatest problems
Teach, guide and comfort others
And form meaningful friendships and relationships with those surrounding you

Maybe your purpose
Is to observe the world surrounding you
Learn and absorb as much as you can
Have a meaningful and fulfilling experience
And shift your perspective and understanding of the world

And maybe your purpose
Is to live purposefully
And leave the world a better place than you found it

And so
As you continue to search for your purpose
May you take comfort in the fact
That it is not limited to a single role, label or title
As it is as vast and expansive as you.

Words by Tahlia Hunter

Artwork by Bettina Baldassari - BettiPigna

08/20/2023

Sometimes you will lose interest in things you used to enjoy, not because you don't want them anymore, but because your soul craves silence and inner peace. It's sometimes better to lie down on your bed and listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite movie alone, away from your phone and all the notifications that bother you from time to time.
It's sometimes better to devote your time alone and reflect on what you want to do, why you keep tolerating stagnant routines, and why you keep staying in places where you don't belong.
Sometimes you have to pay attention to your body and mind when it tells you to take a break from the outside world, take care of yourself, and rest until you feel like yourself again. The world does not revolve around your smile, your love for someone, or your excitement; rather, the process includes silence, sadness, and solitude.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you can comprehend all of this without worrying about what others will think because this is your life and there are no justifications for putting yourself first.

— Balt

Art: hessah.art

08/13/2023

Go fiercely after those weird, wild and unusual desires, whatever they may be and create a brazen life that truly belongs to you. Embrace yourself as a love story.

~ India Ame'ye

[Image: Crystal James ]

08/12/2023

05/18/2023

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05/17/2023

“While we could have many, many enemies that could curse us, try to destroy us, our job is not to be busy with them. Our job is to be busy with bringing in light. Because when you are full with light, no darkness can come and affect your life. Never be focused with the darkness. Always focus on the Light. You focus on the Light, you become the Light. You focus on the Darkness, no matter what is the reason, even if it sounds like a good reason, you become Darkness. Always be for something; don’t waste your time being against. There’s so many things to be against in this world, when would you have the time to do something positive, and create that Light that can remove that darkness?”

Rabbi Shaul Youdkevitch See less