My weekly column in the Swedish Magazine NARA
Encouraging words are a wonderful gift
Words can be beautiful, encouraging and at the same time
influence and give a person a meaning in their life without us knowing or realizing
it.
Words can also do damage and destroy someone without the
speaker being aware of it. Not until I became seriously ill, did I realize how
beautiful words of encouragement could have the capacity to make me smile again.
They make me feel something warm inside grow. That feeling
grows into a power and a longing!
At this moment am I struggling with a disease that consumes my
power and quite often my self-esteem. I work twice as hard with my mental abilities
and myself, but sometimes it can be difficult to have that extra measure of
fire. My longing to live again is greater than ever. I want to go on adventures!
Rarely, but still sometimes, the pain is so severe that life
doesn’t feel meaningful anymore - even if that thought only lasts a brief time,
it’s there whispering in my ear. During crises the whole family will also be tested.
Marriage will be measured to determine if it is strong or weak.
Something very unique are my two small children (seven and
five years old) who are lovingly interrogating me all the time. Their eyes
search mine to give and get support.
Friendships are being put to the test, too. Some friends cannot
stand to see someone they love and admire to be weak, even for a moment. Some
do not have the time to provide friendly comfort and words of encouragement. Others
become closer and show who they really are and make sure you do not forget it.
Martina is a special friend that helps me with rescuing dogs
in Italy. We have the same ability to see the animal spirits and energies. We
have known each other for five years. I took Martina under my wings. I saw in her
a great soul and wisdom.
Martina has been more or less by my side all these years.
Our passion to save animals is big and collaborative. When I share my knowledge
with Martina she has never received it without taking it into her heart, saved and
incorporated it. She has grown rapidly and wonderfully. Several times I have joked
with her, "You must be my daughter!"
Despite my illness, we are soldiering on in our work. Sometimes I cry of despair for not being able
to be out in the field, rescuing and working as I did before. She
hears my despair and desire and stands by my side quietly, no unnecessary words
between us.
I am like the sick dogs we rescue, and do not want to be a
burden to those I love, I try to fight on in silence. But she knows the truth.
Today I got a letter from her that I have framed in a beautiful silver frame. I am inspired!
"Trust
It was the third of December I think three years ago. Animals Without Limits volunteers delivered
food to Adriana's shelter where there are 400 dogs in cages. It was the first time
for me.
"Smile please! "You told us," You must be
strong and smile or else the people in this shelter will not like us and want
us back. "
And we smiled, until I stopped outside the cage number 65.
Still today, I think it was the most painful thing I've seen. A wonderful dog,
seventeen years old (thirteen years in the cage), sad eyes, unfocused, lying on
a cold damp concrete floor, waiting to die.
I cried!
I cried so much that you could feel my pain and you said to
me: "Save her!"
I was scared. I dared not do it alone.
But you, Mia, had faith in me.
"Save her! I will help you! "
This is how the best gift could ever come into my life. You
do not know it Mia, but I am still forever grateful for your words that gave me
the strength to dare to save a life.
Please Mia
Smile today!
/ / Your friend, Martina <3 o:p="o:p">
During these following days, I ask you readers to think
about who might have said something important to you that made you grow and receive
courage. Write a card to that person and tell them how their words became a
gift, fertilizer to your growth as a human. And, go and mail it. Today.
Don’t wait another day. Give someone a
smile today. You too can change a life!
That's Amore.
