Well, it’s been quite the year. I’m sure most of us have strong feelings regarding 2020, and on a personal note, it has been a very mixed blessing. This dog mom is tired. This blog post is what I have found helpful to get through, some might find it helpful, too. And never forget what a powerful emotion hope can be.

Some of you may know that shortly after my beloved Bolo passed on, my father, then mother followed in less than three week’s time. On top of that I got dengue fever for the second time. Then friends leaving geographically and emotionally, took its toll. The hits just kept on coming steadily throughout the year. And I’m not even going to get in to how politics is ruining the world.

All that being said, there have been some wonderful happenings this year as well, Covid-19 aside. Most importantly regarding my little man Bolo. As lockdowns hit all over the world, it gave me the opportunity to stay home 24/7 and care for him the last seven months of his life. This was a godsend for me. I could not imagine not being at home when he needed me the most. I will never forget this precious time we had together, and I’ll forever be grateful for it.

This site was created in Bolo’s honor, when he was still with me, and so it gave me the opportunity to share some of his tales. This is another thing I am very thankful for and proud of, my heartfelt wish is to help someone out there that needs it.

In the madness of 2020, there have been some lessons learned as well. I thought I’d pass them along as they may apply to you and could be of some use. The biggest one is that it is okay to put yourself first, sometimes that takes much too long for some of us to perfect -because perfect is unattainable for most. Try your best to put your needs ahead of others, remember you cannot pour from an empty cup. Being able to say NO is a superpower!

What does that look like, you may ask? Well, for me that is getting more rest and giving myself the permission to take the time I need to heal and revive myself. A day here or there off work or other obligations can make a big difference to one’s state of mind, mental health days are necessary. Having a dog sure does help, they keep us engaged and active – yet another reason to love our fur babies to bits!

Next is taking on too much, make daily and realistic goals of what can be accomplished that day. And if doesn’t get done, it can roll right over to the next day, or even two. This can take off some self-imposed pressure that people tend to put on themselves. I’m a list maker, it really helps to keep my thoughts organized. And if you’re a journal keeper, that’s great too!

Step back from anything or anyone that isn’t a positive force in your life, life is just too short to be involved in conflicts or negativity of any kind.. Choose people who choose you and you’ll rarely be disappointed.

Every day there should be relaxation, and even meditation. make the quiet introspective time for yourself. It’s a gift many do not give to themselves. I highly recommend daily affirmations, manifesting your dreams into your reality.

Take time to find the beauty and appreciate the little things, a walk with your dog, listen to the birds sing, or just stop and notice the flowers and nature around you.

And lastly, spend more time with DOGS! Nothing better to boost your serotonin levels to create more happiness and fulfillment in your everyday life.

I’m home daily with Jackie Chan, and she is getting used to all the attention. I’ll just say she doesn’t hate it. 😉 My girl is keeping me on my toes, quite literally, as we take our peaceful evening strolls together.

If you check in with yourself and are content with your relationships and achievements, I’d say that’s a pretty good indication you’re doing okay. You should live happily with what is attainable for you. The message is clear here: Be Good to Yourself, there’s only one you!

I feel I’m getting there. What can I say, I’m still a work in progress! And currently working on my second website this year, and a new business,. Most importantly, staying positive that it will be a prosperous 2021, in body and spirit.

This year was overwhelmingly terrible on so many levels, but let’s try to look on the bright side as it’s coming to a close, a curtain call if you will.. What is the saying, “Life is for the living”? Optimism, hope, love and faith! Pay them forward in this coming year, the world needs more of them all!

Wishing all my readers a Happy and Healthy New Year for 2021!

~Kelly

Founder, Bolo’s Tail