The Fishing and Shopping Dachshund Named Olive
Olive and her mom, Jill were one of the first people that became my friends via my website, books and Facebook when I began my work with Frankie many years ago. Olive has IVDD and though she has a dog wheelchair, she’d rather not use it these days.
Jill keeps me updated on Olive and I really do feel like Olive is part of my family too. I’ve come to love her so much.
She is now over 14-years old, and though her health is not the best, Jill and her husband, Eric enjoy every minute they can with her. She is one lucky dog!
Here she is fishing and below she got to go shopping at Lowe’s. The love and devotion Jill and Eric have given this sweet girl is so beautiful. I’m so proud and happy to call all of them friends.
Forward March to 50: What I Want Every Young Woman to Know
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month until July 18th I will be sharing my thoughts about turning 50 which I will celebrate on July 18th. And yes, I said, celebrate!
Most days now I want to shout to the world, “I love living in my own skin!” This was not always the case. In part, I believe, because I was afraid to create boundaries for myself. I was afraid to be me. I was afraid someone would be mad at me. Like most women, I have this need for everyone to like me.
I wish every young woman would know that it is okay to create boundaries that are right for them. That you can say no and that does not make you a bad person. That you can surround yourself with those that make your heart sing and that does not make you a b*&#ch for those you choose not to be around.
Even at almost 50 I struggled writing my memoir. I didn’t want someone to be mad at me for things I may have written or things I believe in. As I’ve written before, it felt very vulnerable.
Having now traveled to the other side of this, I see now it has helped to set me free in so many new ways. Speaking my truth only brought more joy to my life. It has led to me liking me even more. Pleasing others is not the road to making yourself happy.
I want every woman to know you are beautiful for you. You are good enough. You deserve joy.
My reminder for this is my dogs and those I surround myself with who bring out the best in me. That is what I wish for all young women also, to find what it is that is their greatest reminders and fill your space and life with just that.