How Do You Define a Big Life?

Posted by Barbara Techel

For a long time I thought living a big life was measured in how much money you made and the material things you had.  It seemed that living a “small” life then meant that you didn’t have much money or have many material things such as a big house, nice cars, many vacations, etc.

But I’ve come to realize that living a big life is about following your heart… even when things get challenging. John and I took a big leap of faith last March with our retirement funds, going against what society tells us and that we must never touch that money until we retire.  We made a choice that we felt was right for us in order to continue to fulfill what is important to us– his remodeling business and my writing and advocacy and passion for special needs pets.

I’ve also come to realize in the past ten years that now is all we have.  We can’t predict the future, nor can we spend every waking moment worrying about it.  That stress alone can quickly kill a person or have you living a life of fear.

I  recently finished reading the book Chasing Sylvia Beach by author Cynthia Morris. I was brought to tears with an unexpected lesson she shared towards the end of the book.  Her character, Lily was grappling with what another character said about her and that she lived a small life.  Lily wondered, How did one measure a life?  The number of people you touched? The amount of books you read? The money you earned?

I grappled with this same issue years ago.  Though I still can get caught up now and then in the views of society, I’m able to bring myself back much more easily to what is important to me in living how I define a big life.   Since Frankie has been gone, one of the things I have realized at the very core of what I really loved, was taking care of Frankie.  I could live without “things,” many vacations, etc., — but on the deepest level of how I felt my life was big, and what brought me the purest joy, was caring for her– and being there for her so she could live the quality life that she did.

The bottom line is that we each have to determine what it is for each of us that defines for us what a big life is. But no life is small.

I invite you to listen to this little video piece in a recent interview with Cynthia Morris and how she defines a big life.  I think you will be glad you did. And then think about how you define a big life… I’d love to hear your thoughts so please share!

Also, I invite you to check out a special guest post I did on Kathy Pooler’s Memoir blog called, “Evolving Spiritually Through the Love of Animals” and join in the heart warming discussion.  I’ll also be giving a way a copy of my book Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog to one lucky person who leaves a comment on that post.

What is a Big Life?

 

 

Frog Check

Posted by Barbara Techel

Before sitting down on our Adirondack chairs I say, “Frog check!”  It never fails that we find Mr. Frog on one or the other chair tucked under the cushion.  I then gently scoop him up and put her near the bird bath that is near by.  Then he looks at me as if to say, “Hey, I’m a tree frog, not a water frog!” Then he hops away, but I know he will always return.  I kinda like the little guy.  He has really become part of the family this summer which makes me think I should give him a name.  I think I shall call him Mr. Green Jeans.  What do you think?

 

Photo Shoot. On My Own.

Posted by Barbara Techel

The adorable Ms. Katy, photographer, Lisa’s 12-year old poodle.  It was pure joy meeting her during my photo shoot today and a welcome bonus.  This photo of Katy was taken by Lisa.

 This morning I made my way to Lehmann Photography Art & Design to have owner and photographer, Lisa take photos of me for new author head shots in anticipation of my new book, Through Frankie’s Eyes.

Being the sentimental gal that I am , I knew this would likely stir feelings of missing Frankie, which it did as I got in the car to head over to Lisa’s studio.  I had originally scheduled the shoot for June 19, but had to cancel when Frankie became so ill.  It was to have been a new shoot of her and me for my book cover, as well as a photo of Frankie for the 2013 local therapy dog calendar, and then some new head shots for me to use.

As we all know, life does not always go as planned.  It took me some time getting over the fact I would now not have a new photo of me and Frankie.  And quite frankly, I loved having my photo taken with Frankie, so to not have that option felt odd.

My eyes misted over with tears thinking about all this as I drove down the highway, but I quickly turned my attention to the fact that this is what is meant to be.  I have to focus on what I’ve all gained from my time with Frankie- rejoice in all the good. I smiled and knew all would be well.  I had a new idea for a book cover shot that I truly thought we would do today… but overnight I awoke at 2:00am and something told me I shouldn’t do it.  Then this morning driving to the studio it continued to nag at me.

In my mind I said, “Okay, Barb, what is your heart and gut telling you?  Follow that.  It’s right.”  When I arrived at Lisa’s studio and discussed my concern she said the same thing, “What is your gut telling you?”

“Not to do it, “I said.

So we decided to do the head shots first and if I changed my mind she would do the other idea I had in mind.  But I never did change my mind.  I’m glad I didn’t.  I think I’m on the right path with a new idea for the book cover, which friend and marketing consultant, Mary came up with for me.  But guess what?  I can’t tell you what it is yet!  But I think you’ll be happily surprised when I finally do reveal the cover… so stay tuned!!

But here’s the bottom line.  We can get so caught up in what is the absolute “right thing” to do that all the experts will tell you… and they will all have one opinion or another.  But when it comes down to it, this book is my blood, sweat and tears and the idea Mary came up with for the book cover feels right to me.  I also think my readers of this blog and those that have followed me on my journey will also be happy with it, too.  Maybe it won’t be what an “expert” would say is the right thing to do… but I can tell you this… it is my heart.  I can also tell you that on the deepest level of my whole thought process for it feels good… and I want to follow that.  And I can’t wait to share the cover and the whole thought process with you in the future.

As all of this went through my mind today, I found myself smiling once again at all that Frankie gave me while she was here for such a short time.  Though she couldn’t talk, I could hear her cheering me on saying, “Mama, you can do it.  You are doing it!  You are standing on your own.” And so I am.