The first time I heard the word giveaway was back in 1995, two years before I wrote my book, For Every Dog An Angel. I was looking to leave corporate America so I could pursue a living that would satisfy my soul. With my beloved dog, Martha, by my side I felt certain I would find my heart’s true calling.
I met with my friend, Misa Hopkins, a healer of Native American descent, hoping she could offer guidance for my journey.
“What will be your giveaway?” Misa asked.
I came to understand that when you are inviting something new into your life you often need to make space for it. This might mean giving up something tangible, or letting go of a belief or philosophy that could prevent you from living your dream.
In true “Chris” fashion I told Misa my giveaway would be Brussels sprouts, a vegetable I detested. A few weeks later I came home and found Martha standing motionless in my yard. She had gone into a catatonic state. Fifteen days later I lost her to a brain condition that was never diagnosed. The Universe had decided for me. Martha was to be my giveaway.
Many furry friends have left my side since the loss of Martha. I began 2013 with my cats, Molly and Star, never knowing I would lose Star on July 31, 2013.
Now it’s just Molly and me. After all the years of having four dogs and four cats in my home, sharing my life with only a single critter has taken some getting used to. In the beginning it felt odd—extremely out of balance. Molly, however, seemed to take it all in stride. With unwavering confidence she padded up to my side and took her place on my lap with a kind of regal elegance. There was no big brother to attack her from behind the couch, and no dominating sister to bite her for wanting some affection from Mom.
It is Molly who will accompany me on the next leg of my journey as my new book, Breathing Fire, comes out in a few weeks. This is the true story of how I was rescued from living under the spell of unworthiness. For the first time in my life I can hold my head up high. I see the same in Molly, now that the siblings who tormented her have gone to the Rainbow Bridge.
Molly and I are now in perfect balance . . . and with that realization I remember how wise the Universe is.
Chris,
Amazing how what we “let go of” becomes such as significant part of our stories. The beautiful art of letting go allow the power of the Universe to fill our lives in ways we might never have imagined. Martha was such an incredible being who loved you so deeply, she was willing to cross over so that you could find your true purpose and your voice of inspiration for others. I am so honored to have played my small role in your incredible journey of healing and love!
Thank you, Misa. I remember our conversations from 1995 as if they just happened yesterday.Your words on “giveaway” remained in my heart, and I felt they were so powerful I included them in my book for others who might feel drawn to them!