Do Obstacles Really Define Us?

Kentee Pasek with her dog, Dexter / Courtesy of theguardian.com

They could, if we believe they can. It is as simple or complex as that. We are guaranteed many glitches and challenges on our path in life. But, how we decide to incorporate those upheavals is up to us. We can allow them to take our power with the thought that we have nothing left or use our God-given abilities to perceive this as an opportunity to go beyond who we know as ourselves.

Meet Dexter, who was in a car accident as a young pup, leaving him with three legs. But, he didn’t feel sorry for himself or contemplate how different life would be and how people would view or pity him. In fact, on the way to the vet hospital, his owner, Kentee Pasek, said, “I sat with him in the back of the car, and he rested his head on my lap, trying to comfort me.” So, Dexter does not sound like a troubled soul to me. On the contrary, it sounds like love in one of its most profound moments.

As you watch this short video and the steps (no pun intended😅) Dexter took to heal and move forward to enjoy his life again; look for the similarity between yourself and Dexter. I didn’t start with this thought when the video began, but I found many moments where I resonated with his struggles and triumphs in my own experiences in life.

The funny thing is, Dexter doesn’t reflect on any of this; he takes each moment and lives it, loves it, and brings joy. Never does anything that happens to him define him. As I ponder this, I take a deep breath and feel refreshed and free. I imagine what it would be like to have this feeling every day. What an incredible life this would be, wouldn’t it?

Our teachers are everywhere, and I am grateful to Dexter and his owner for showing me a new and essential way to wake up each morning.🦋

“Sometimes getting knocked down is the only way to see how tall you stand.” ~Steve Hartman

Thought to ponder:

How did you take on a few of the more difficult times in your life that changed others to do the same? Or are there those challenging instances still being allowed to define you?

Photo by Author