Doggy Footing

Posted to Facebook Jan. 21
We use the term 'pussy footing' to call up images of a cat carefully, quietly, slowly, calculatingly placing its paws with each step.  Often the cat is putting a stalk on something he wants, and he doesn't want to disturb anything before he gets it. 

We also use this term when referring to our human companions, although it may have a slightly different meaning.  Human pussy footing is also sometimes referred to as 'walking on eggshells'.  It too calls up the image of carefully, quietly watching ones step, especially when around a person we are not wanting to disturb.  Children walk on eggshells around parents.  Employees pussy foot around bosses.  Spouses pussy foot around each other.  We may pussy foot/walk on eggshells when we are asking for assistance from a store clerk.  We may pussy foot around our neighbours or our teachers or authority figures.  We may have been taught that the best way to exist in our world is to carefully, and quietly, watch our step.

Now compare that quiet, flying under the radar, cat to the image of a puppy, with paws three sizes to large for its body, bounding into a room to be a part of whatever fun might be going on.  He may not be able to put the breaks on in time, there may be a few things knocked out of place, and there is certainly a change in the energy level of the room.  There is probably a smile or chuckle on the faces of most who are observing.  He is not apologizing for showing up.  He is so ready for the fun that is available in that moment.  He loves everyone that is there unconditionally.  And, if there is something that shows up in the next room that looks like even more fun, without hesitation, or apology, he is off to check that out too.  The puppy enters the room unabashedly himself.  Yes, with time, this puppy will also learn to enter the room more reserved, but he will probably never pussy foot.

LOP is allowing myself to unabashedly, without hesitation, unapologetically enter the 'rooms' of my life.  LOP is about doing more doggy footing.

Happy 2013!

Posted to Facebook January 2nd.
I've always liked the arbitrary, man-made event of moving into a new year. 

I like the freshness, the 'turning over a new leaf', the 'new beginnings' feeling it has.
I like having a time in the year when I consciously reflect and put into perspective the past twelve months.
I like the feeling of clarity I get by revisiting my priorities.
I like taking the time to appreciate all that transpired in the past year; what I've learned, what I've enjoyed.
I like purposefully deciding what I now want.
I like the freedom of letting go of the old, and having a fresh slate.
I like the creativity of imagining the new.
I like the excitement of the unknown that is around the corner.
I like the promise of increased daylight.
I like making new plans.
I like the spaciousness that is created after Christmas decorations are again packed away.
I like the falling out of routine while on holidays and then the getting back into a routine.
I like the new year because it is a time when it is easy to reaffirm my intention to make decisions and choices in alignment with who I really am.

Happy New Year!  May you perceive every step of the way as an enjoyable, ever evolving adventure.