PAWS AND PAUSE: LESSONS FROM MY PUPPY’S SPAYING FOR MENOPAUSE MASTERY
Embracing the Storm: A Tale of Resilience and Transformation
In the midst of life's unexpected twists and turns, there are moments that shake us to our core and awaken a sense of raw honesty within our souls. For me, one of those moments came with the arrival of two Australian puppies into my life—the dynamic brother and sister duo who would soon challenge, inspire, and ultimately transform me in ways I never imagined.
As a early retired teacher of 27 years, I made the decision to follow my heart and pursue my passion for guiding women on their spiritual journeys. Little did I know that these two furry companions would become unexpected yet profound teachers on my own path of self-discovery.
When we welcomed the puppies into our home, I found myself grappling with conflicting emotions. While I have always had a deep love for animals, I had never been particularly drawn to the exuberance of puppies. My preference had always been for adopting older rescues, where the bond formed quickly and deeply.
However, as I navigated the whirlwind of caring for these two bundles of energy, I found myself confronting not only the challenges of puppy parenthood but also the echoes of past struggles. The memory of my own battle with postpartum depression, and the journey to find that unwavering, unconditional love for my children, resurfaced in unexpected ways.
The brother and sister puppies, with their contrasting personalities, mirrored the dualities within myself. The brother, gentle and eager to please, symbolized the softer, more compliant aspects of my nature. In contrast, the sister, Sophie, embodied a fiery spirit and unapologetic authenticity that I both admired and found challenging.
Sophie, in her boldness and independence, held up a mirror to my own insecurities and hesitations. As I grappled with balancing the demands of caring for these two pups with my work and personal aspirations, I realized that Sophie was not just testing my patience—she was urging me to trust myself, to speak my truth, and to stand firm in my own power.
The turning point came with a sudden medical emergency that could have left Sophie fighting for her life. As I cradled her in my arms, sending waves of angelic light healing and love, I felt a profound shift within myself. The healing came to me, through me, to her. In that moment of vulnerability and fear, I understood that Sophie's journey mirrored my own—a struggle for survival, a quest for resilience, and a deep well of inner strength waiting to be unleashed.
In the days that followed, as I nursed Sophie back to health, I witnessed a transformation not only in her but in myself. As she climbed up on the couch and rested her two front paws on my lap and gazed into my soul with unwavering trust and resilience, I saw reflected back to me the storm—the fierce, unyielding force of nature that lies within each of us as a woman.
At 53, standing at the threshold of menopause, Sophie helped me realize that this journey is not just about physical changes or hormonal shifts. It is a profound awakening—a time to embrace the fullness of who I am, to speak my truth with unwavering courage, and to step into the sacred power that has always resided within me.
Sophie, with her unrelenting spirit and unapologetic authenticity, has shown me the way. She has taught me that in the midst of life's storms, we have the power to transform, to rise above our challenges, and to embrace the fullness of who we are meant to be.
As I continue on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment, I invite you to join me in embracing your own inner storm. Let us stand tall, speak our truths, and shine brightly as we navigate the winds of change and transformation. Together, we can weather any storm, knowing that within it lies the power to reshape our world and rewrite our future.
