For Christmas one of my sisters sent me a framed black and white photograph of my parents when they were young and dating. Not my birth mom, but the family that adopted me. I have real mixed feelings about this image. I don't have the best memories of my childhood. Yet, in the image, they look so young and innocent. It's hard to reconcile they would grow up, and then behave very unkindly to me. I have forgiven them, for treating me that way. I know they, too, were treated badly as children, growing up in a war, hiding in bomb shelters, losing family, and not having the time or band width to learn about self discovery and to reflect on their current state. They did the best they could with the toolbox they had. And that is the case for most of us. But what if you were open to the idea there are more tools in the toolbox you might not know about? That is the first step in this journey of life, just being curious.

Today I am grateful to be alive, and for my parents adopting me and teaching me about hard work, and how to live a no nonsense life, for teaching me German and an appreciation for the German culture, and for allowing me to have dogs, so that I grew up loving animals. I hope they are both resting in peace, or better yet, that they are benevolent beings of light surrounding and protecting me and my children. I am grateful those days are behind me, and that my children were able to enjoy a very different experience than mine. I am thankful for the full moon, and the sunrise, and for this new day, to continue my mission to bring the power of positive reinforcement to 100,000,000 million Animal Loving Angels within the next 3 years.

Want to know what a strong R+ bond with an animal looks like? Check out the live videos we did yesterday. The best part of my day was saddling Natalia and taking her for a walk, and for her being so excited to be with me, that she followed me, loose, all along a steep fence line, literally leaping with joy, at the excitement and of getting to interact with me. Now that was a special moment! Look for the video of it soon.

​In the meantime, wrap your head around the idea it's Monday, the first week of the second month of the new year, that you have the whole week ahead of you to make the most of it. How will you do that today? For best results, start with gratitude. Then, hug or pet cute animals, that always works. Be kind to yourself, and make it the best day of your life!

Check out my YouTube channel for a daily "Good Morning!" from the rescues and lots of free tips and training resources. https://www.youtube.com/@the1drq