I told myself a story that wasn’t true based on my interpretation of what I read and my own personal lens. I deceived myself by believing what I wanted to believe.
The dogs haven’t learned that they will never, ever win in their desire to rid our yard, or our village, of squirrels. In their quest to alter reality, these dogs take after their adopted mother: me.
Rather than expecting everyone to view reality as we do, I’m wondering if we can be open, curious even, to asking questions in a sincere, nonjudgmental way about why someone holds particular opinions or interpretations of reality.
Bringing home a puppy is inviting chaos and a lot of extra work into your home. It’s also saying, “I do” to more love and joy, and that’s what I want, regardless of my age.
Like the Where’s Waldo? books, it’s easy to be distracted by the familiar and comfortable, overlooking how longstanding systems are failing those most vulnerable. We forget that we’re a group of people, mostly descendants of immigrants, who believe that all people are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
