12 Comments
Mar 10, 2023Liked by Sarah McCammon

I sit outside, in the backyard with my two Scotties, the Good Boy and the Heck Hole. The Heck Hole pulls on the lead, barks like he's a German Shepherd and has a schedule that must be followed or he deposits gifts in unforeseeable locations (that's why he's called Heck Hole). I look at the sky, day or night, and remember that today's stupid, goofy, foolish annoyances are just that. Then I remember the wisdom of the universe: this too shall pass. Learn to love the stupid, goofy, annoyances that change your day and realize that it's so much better than not having that day at all.

Wishing you all the best. A nice deep breath, music that you love, and time with the kiddos and your version of the Heck Hole, will make it better.

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Sarah McCammon

My go-to suggestion for breathing/meditation is The Meditation Podcast. Perfect to fall asleep to, but also great for breathing practice and peaceful visualizations. Best of luck with the pup!

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Sarah McCammon

I live on an island and find, with or without my pups, walking outside is a reset. And you can walk anywhere! Glad you have healthy resources for your reset so we can enjoy your insights.

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Mar 14, 2023Liked by Sarah McCammon

Journaling is my go to when I get “chaotic and twirly, but not in the good way” (to quote Phoebe Buffay). I’ll go weeks or months without doing it and every time I do, I remember how valuable it is to dump all my fears and worries on the page. Also, it doesn’t hurt to read where I was during a more stressful time, for a downward comparison (I journaled ALOT in 2020 if you can believe it).

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I say my rescue dog, Flossie, (we call her our "found dog") came perfectly pre-packaged for us. Not sure how we got so lucky. She's a refined old lady with impeccable manners who sleeps til noon and loves to ride in my convertible! She is my refuge from a crazy world.

Loved your story of Bailey!!

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Sarah McCammon

My dogs for sure. And part of the reason we adopted them was because we don't take nearly enough walks on our beautiful tropical island when we don't have dogs that need walked on the regular. Over the past few years, I've been exploring art, something I always loved but never felt I was allowed to do for whatever reason. After a long day, sitting down with a glass of wine and making something beautiful with my own hands really calms and improves my mood.

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Sarah McCammon

I do the Calm app daily. 10 minutes really helps. Long walks in nature. Also, petting and hugging our cat Sadie ... when she allows me the privilege. 😒

And I'm a musician, so playing always takes me to my happy place.

Peace and love, Sarah. 🙏❤️

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Sarah McCammon

Sarah, I really relate to this. I also have an emotional support animal--Penny--who is a lot. She is as small as your dog is large, as she's a dachshund/chihuahua mix (chiweenie as they are affectionately called). She experienced abuse in her last home and was rescued by a vet which is how we found her, or she found us. She loves her family and that's it, so it is stressful to try and travel or have guests over. But my goodness she loves us and you don't realize how much you need that unconditional love until you don't have it.

I'm also a big walker. I've always enjoyed walking but now I find it is truly integral to my well-being. I usually arrange my days around a long walk, and have the distinct privilege to be able to walk to work (I live in a college town). I have come to really hate car culture and I wish it was easier for people to walk safely in this country.

I made a cross stitch as a holiday gift--something I hadn't done in ages (literally decades)--and found it to be very theraputic to concentrate but also not have to think in the same way I do when I am working. My birthday is coming up and I asked for a small embriodery kit--I hope I actually use it!

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Mar 10, 2023Liked by Sarah McCammon

My go to relaxation is my pup! She is always near me or my wife when we are very stressed, she comes right up to us without asking. She truly knows.

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