At some time in our lives, we all have to face death. Some of us face it at an early age by losing a grandparent, or a sibling. Others don’t cross this hurdle for many years. Eventually, we all have to face it. Strangely enough although I had lost many close relatives, I was numb to the pain. A protective wall of separation stood between my heart and the pain of loss. That wall was shattered the day my 13-year-old dog died. The silence when I entered our house was deafening. I could feel the emptiness of his missing presence. Over the next few months, I began to realize all the beautiful traits that dogs have, and how we can learn from them. They are a constant source of joy and happiness. It does not matter if you have been gone 15 minutes or 2 days, they are overjoyed to see you. Their forgiveness is without end. They don’t know how to hold a grudge. Animals realize that love is boundless and unconditional. They love you no matter what. Not for how much money you have, or how popular you are.  Just their presence heals your soul. They provide a friendship like no other. They will sit next to you and listen intently as you tell them about your day. Their attention never wavering.

A person who has suffered through abuse or undergone many problems is often like an oyster. Every grain of sand rubbed against the oyster creates a scar. All of the scarring eventually creates a beautiful pearl. Each negative event that happens to us builds our personality. If we know how to crack through the shell and see the pearl inside, then we can use those negative events to create a positive view of ourselves.

Every element in the universe has an innate purpose. Not a purpose that someone else gave it, but a part of its natural existence. The suns nature is to shine, the trees nature is to provide shade, and mans nature is to create. We are only happy when we are creative. Think back to when what you wanted when you were a child, before anyone told you that your ideas were impossible or impractical. Before anyone told you that you were not good at something. Find what you love and what excites you. For just one moment imagine that you can explore the things that bring you joy. Believe in your dreams. Step in gently and give a try at something you love. There is no reason why you can't pursue what brings you joy. Your chances of success doing what you love are just as great as your chances of success doing something that you don't enjoy just to earn money. Life is more than materialism. Life is about living in the moment, feeling joy, and bringing out your true creative purpose. Failure is impossible when you follow your true nature.