finding joy

We Are 1 In Spirit Interview: A Special Message about Grieving You May Find Refreshing

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On this weeks Joyful Paws Jaunt blog tour, I was interviewed by author and coach, Yvonne Perry on her podcast, We are One In Spirit

Click here to listen to the interview.

Introduction from Yvonne about my segment 

Do you remember when you first began exploring your spirituality? What inspired you to seek answers to life’s greatest questions? For Barbara Techel, it was her dogs that helped her to live more authentically and more joyfully.
After her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair that allowed her to be mobile in spite of being partially paralyzed. Barbara quickly realized the beautiful opportunity she had to spread a positive message that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if given a chance. This translated into also helping people see their challenges in a positive way. Today, she is a passionate advocate for special needs pets such as dogs in wheelchairs, and those in particular that are diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

From the inspiration she gained from her little wiener dog on wheels, Barbara has found her life’s purpose. She let go of her fears, and began doing hospice work with Frankie as a therapy dog team. She let go of her fear of death and began to appreciate each day of her life. She has a special connection with all her animals, but two of them have let her know they are still with her now that they have passed into the afterlife. In the audio below, she offers a special message about grieving that you may find refreshing.

Barbara is the award-winning author of the children’s book series Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog which are true, inspirational stories about her paralyzed dachshund. From 2008-2012, Barbara and Frankie made over 350 appearances to schools and libraries in Wisconsin, as well as many visits to classrooms across the US and Canada via Skype. They were also a therapy dog team visiting local facilities and logged over 250 visits spreading joy wherever they went.

In August 2012, she founded National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day in memory of Frankie and in honor of all dogs in wheelchairs. She also started the Frankie Wheelchair Fund, which helps families who can’t afford wheelchairs for their disabled dogs. To date, this fund has helped thirteen dogs, who may not otherwise had the opportunity, to get a wheelchair.

In her newest book, Through Frankie’s Eyes Barbara takes you on a journey that led her to live her own truth and live with more joy, all because of what Frankie taught her along the way. Enjoy this interview as Barbara shares her story with Yvonne Perry on We Are One in Spirit Podcast.

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For more intuitive and inspiring podcasts with Yvonne, I invite and encourage you the visit her website today.

Don’t forget!  You can win a copy of my new book through Goodreads!  I’m giving away two copies, but hurry as you must enter by midnight on Monday, March 25th!  Good luck!

What Brings You Joy? Stop. Think. Make a List.

Today Daily Word  talked about what it is that brings us joy.  They suggested creating a “joy chest” of photographs, quotes, ideas, etc. that we can refer to when looking for joy in our lives. I smiled thinking about my blog. I seem to capture all those things right here. But I also decided to make a list of what brings me joy.

joie loves Kylie

1.  Time with my dogs, Kylie and Joie, whether walking them, cuddling them or just hanging out with them.

2.  Time with my husband, John.  Playing Yahtzee, talking, date nights, laughing, dreaming, hanging out around our chimenia, watching movies…

3.  Lunch dates with my mom. Not only does this bring me joy but it fills my soul back up with nothing like the love of a Mom.

4.  Reading a good book.  Books that inspire me, give me hope, make me smile, make me laugh, and especially books that make me think.  I’m re-reading Tammy Strobel’s book right now, You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap) . This girl knows the meaning of joy and I’m utterly fascinated by her tiny house living.

5.  Taking pictures.  This was not always on my list, but with the photography course I’m taking I’m finding joy in looking through the lens of my camera in a new way.

6.  Watching a child play.

7.  Planting flowers.

8.  Riding my bike. So anxious for spring and hoping Joie is going to love riding in the basket on my bike as much as Frankie did.

9.  Puttering around my house with my favorite movies or shows playing in the background. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and my all time favorite TV show is “Bewitched.” I have all the shows on DVD.

10.  Time with friends.

11.  Perusing through country and cottage magazines– Country Living, Cottages and Bungalows and Cottage Journal among my favorite.  I love this best in the summer sitting out on the deck with a glass of wine.

12.  Seeing a full moon.

13.  Walking by the lake.

14.  Listening to instrumental music.  I especially love soundtracks to movies I love.

15.  Seeing an old couple holding hands.

16.  Finding quotes that speak to me and writing them in a journal of quotes I keep.

That’s my list for now. What is it that brings you joy?  Make a list and feel free to share in the comments. I’d love to hear!