Sometimes Healing Comes From the Most Unexpected Sources
Prompt: Compliments hold the power to empower. Write about a time you have given, or received a compliment. How did this exchange make you feel?
Many of you have expressed interest in knowing more about me but I tend to shy away. It is deliberate, not only for privacy reasons but sometimes, just sometimes I fear that you may find me totally different from how you perceive me to be.
A lot of it has to do with the gas lighting I was subjected to in a previous relationship. I was never good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, sweet enough and what have you.
I was also called wicked and selfish.
Simply because I chose to stop believing in lies anymore and to stand up for myself.
Even though that happened a long time ago and am slowly healing through therapy, support groups, expressive writing, and daily new experiences that reinforce the realization that those were mere lies, there are days when I feel I take one step forward and ten steps back.
Recently, I was able to visit my parents after a long gap. It was deeply saddening to me to see them age as if overnight. However, I was happy to see that they had a lovely new companion, a dachshund named Sandy.
They’ve had Sandy for three years now and it was my first time getting to meet this energetic, little bundle of joy.
Surprisingly, she seemed instantly besotted with me.
How can that be, I wondered?
The funny thing is once she laid eyes on me, she completely ignored my parents and would follow me around all day, everywhere! She would paw at my door and whine when I went to bed and would faithfully wait outside without going far for a potty break out of fear that she would miss me.
She also loves to crawl on her belly and look at me with huge puppy eyes and just the tip of her tongue sticking out whenever I’m near which I find very endearing.
My father says she is resorting to puppy tactics to get my attention 😍
I was baffled. I still don’t get it as I’ve never experienced something like this before.
My father seems to think that Sandy is familiar with my voice from the phone conversations I constantly have with my parents so she can associate them with me, that I am family.
My close friend and long-time pet owner, Josie, however, had a slightly different opinion: She said dogs can somehow sense genuine kindness in a person and are drawn to them.
I tore up then…still crying as I typed these words.
Those profound words and this sweet dog’s actions magically erased the shame and hurt that I have never spoken about.
🎈This post originally appeared on Medium. If you enjoyed reading this, do check out my other posts on Medium.
Your friend speaks truth, Yana. Animals especially dogs, tend to sense genuineness. It’s the purest love you will ever get
Dogs are great judges of character. You are blessed to have that furbabies attention. You may have to start talking to her on the phone. I'm sure she will miss you terribly when you aren't there. ❤️