In the crucible of life, where moments of joy and sorrow blend into the tapestry of our lives, I found an unexpected source of solace and wisdom in Kimber and the 5 life lessons he taught me about my own life and how to keep going, even when times were the toughest, I’d ever experienced.
It was February 2019 when this furry intelligent little creature entered my world, bringing with him the promise of unconditional love and the pure joy that only a dog can offer. A bright and energetic personality of his own and built in compassion and empathy for humans.
Little did I know, just a month later, on March 18th, 2019, I would face one of the most profound losses of my life, the passing of my beloved mother.
In the midst of grief and the overwhelming weight of sorrow, Kimber became not only my sweet little fur ball but a pillar of strength, teaching me invaluable life lessons, that only he could do.
Although none of these life lessons are new, they became a renewal in personal perspectives and a renewal in self-introspection, in which I had not taken into account in quite some time.
These 5 life lessons, I don’t take for granted, and our unspoken bond and our unwavering loyalty goes both ways. He takes care of me, and I take care of him. A partnership for life.
Lesson #1: Always have something to look forward to
As a German Spitz, he gets mistaken as a Pomeranian all the time, but he could care less. I thought I would clear up his breed before moving forward.
After the passing of my mom, I went into a very deep depression. But Kimber wasn’t haven’t any of that. He was a young pup who needed me, and I found I needed him too. Those 5am wake up face licks were great, although I didn’t want to get up. He made me get up and face the day.
All he wanted to do was be with me and taking care of him wasn’t easy, his energetic personality as a young pup, at times was exhausting!
In the beginning, I would have no idea how much he would love to ride and go places. So, I got him his own backpack with his name on it with the saying, “off to my next adventure’.
He knows now that when I get his backpack out, he’s going somewhere, and he loves every moment of it!
In the beginning my desire was not to go anywhere after my mother passed. But I had a little fella who loved going places, and I just couldn’t disappoint him.
I had always known that it was important to have something to look forward to, but it became crucial for me after my mother’s death, that I get out and enjoy my life. My mother would certainly want me too.
It is in the simple act of looking forward to doing something that we find the resilience to weather life’s storms and the inspiration to keep dreaming, growing, and embracing the beauty woven into each passing day.
What Kimber taught me
Kimber taught me that the beauty of each day is in the doing and being present. Enjoy the ball bouncing towards you, and running to catch it, just to throw it again.
The simplest act can get you moving towards the best memories of your life.
And to never forget to reminisce about the good times you had in the past, to energize the present and your future.
Lesson #2: Go after what you want in life
We all know that in life, we should go after the things we want. After all, it is that ONE thing or two that’s going to make us happy, right?
Kimber goes head strong for everything! His blue ball, it’s all he lives for! What an honor, right?
He is my little soccer player, imagine this. rolling the ball down the hall, he’s running after it with all he’s got. He stops it with his paws. Then takes his paws and weaves them side to side to get the ball back to me. I love it! He does too.
He goes after everything he wants, but it’s mainly the ball he’s after. Nonetheless, he is relenting in his desire to play ball. We should have this attitude about the things that important to us.
Kimber waits for the right opportunity to go after what he wants, he’s never aggressive, just assertive and determined. He doesn’t give in, until he knows he’s been defeated. In my case, until I’m tired of playing ball.
What Kimber taught me
Life doesn’t always have to be hard. We wait until the right opportunity presents itself, and then we go after it. We are not aggressive in our quest, we just keep going with determination, and we accept defeat with grace, and move on to the next opportunity.
Steady wins the race.
Lesson #3: It’s ok to think things over
Kimber is very independent, and an independent thinker, he can be quite stubborn at times. We do have very deep conversations. He listens to me, with his little head moving side to side, he lets me know how engaged in the conversation he is.
And if we have disagreements, he just walks into the other room and thinks about it. Neither one of us hold grudges.
If he is losing an agreement, he will lower his tail at half-staff and retreat. But we always are respectful of each other and hug it out.
Look, we don’t always get it right in life, we make mistakes. It is perfectly OK, to engage in self-reflection and meditate on situations in our lives. Ask ourselves, how could we have done things differently? We have to be able to be “deep thinkers” to solve the right problems and create our own solutions.
What Kimber taught me
Slow down. Think about things before you take action. Be patient with yourself. Continue to move forward in life. Don’t get hung in “limbo” and not make a move. The weight of not taken action in your life, weighs much more than taken action, going after the one thing that scares you the most is easier actually.
Trust me, Kimber would rather chase his blue ball, than do anything else! But somethings will take precedent. But he’s patient, and we should be with ourselves as well.
Meditate on your words, actions, and thoughts. Be well in your own silence.
Lesson #4: Stay fabulous, glow as you grow
Kimber is absolutely beautiful, but you know what? He knows it! He was just born this way. He carries himself with confidence and grace and he is so gentle when taking anything from your hand. You barely feel him touch you. He commands attention, and he gets it. But he’s playful and approachable in his personality. He’s funny and lots of fun! He is in control of himself, and he knows this too.
He cuddles with you, only after you have earned this privilege. You don’t cuddle with him. He is always in control, until I pick him up and give him a “love” squeeze.
He’s a poser, he is vogue.
What Kimber taught me
No matter what life throws at you, find the confidence you need to get through to the other side. Be graceful and classy in your life. Rise up to any occasions.
Be gentle with your words and know when to be silent. be in control of you, and no other.
Not everyone gets the privilege of knowing you, they must earn that right.
And if you need a hug, just take one if you can.
Always stay poised and be kind in everything you do.
Lesson #5: You can always change your life path anytime
Kimber was the first born out of his litter of brother and sisters. German Spitz not a popular breed in the United States, I was fortunate to find him at [email protected]. I am forever grateful to Dr. Heather Smith, in Goldsboro NC for breeding German Spitz.
Kimber had a wonderful first 7 weeks on the farm, then a complete stranger… me…. took him from this and made a different life for him. He grew to trust me, grew to love me, and now 5 years later he is still thriving and ruling the house. He had no expectations other than to be feed and loved.
What Kimber taught me
Life can change on a dime. Radical acceptance of things you can’t change and adapt to life’s ever-changing twists and turns. Expectations can cause many disappointments, adjustments are required.
Love is a place, person, and thing. Home is where they are, it’s not just a place.
Trust the process and work out the kinks that are impeding your progress. Thrive in all you do and watch yourself become who you know you have been all along.
It’s never too late to change your mind for the betterment of self.
Final Thoughts
The love I have for Kimber, replaced the sorrow I felt for the loss of my mom. I continue to learn from him every day. He amazes me with his gentleness, and he never gets mad a me. He is always by my side, and he encourages me in ways only we know.
I count my blessings every day, and I strive to be better today than yesterday. Kimber has remarkably changed my life, and I believe I’ve changed his just a little.
We’ll chat soon,
