Predawn at the Casa; it’s going to be another scorcher, as the heat and stupidity are already on the rise and the sun hasn’t even began to clear the horizon. Dad, Max and I have relocated to the couch as waking mom at this hour carries repercussions that I don’t even want to consider.
My story seems to travel in cycles, with periods of relative calm followed by spikes of frenetic activity; during one of these spikes, you can tell the newcomers, as there will invariably be statements consigning my previous captors to the lowest pits of hell.
Most that have followed my antics since the beginning know that I’m a pretty forgiving dog, never focusing on the neglect and abuse from my former life. Dad? Not so much; he spent many hours scouring the area where my crate was left in an effort to find the perpetrators. Although some good did come of it,as we were able to rescue Stevie, Beau, the twins, etc, overall his time could have been spent much more wisely in moving forward.
“He/she who angers you, controls you”; life is too short to let the ignorant or even downright evil to steal our potential blessings. Another question that is routinely asked is “do you ever wonder if the people who left you ever realize how far you have progressed?”
Again, to waste even one iota of angst and emotion on what someone else might or might not regret is a total waste of my time, and to be honest, yours as well. Whether an errant spouse, an ungrateful child, an abusive parent, a corrupt partner, nothing is worth letting another confine you into any form of a crate; though a crate can be constructed of many different materials, one of the most common is one that we all use to construct our own:
Words.
“I don’t deserve happiness”
“You’ll never amount to anything”
“If only I was talented”
“If I don’t ____, he/she won’t ____”
“I just KNOW he’s going to cheat on me!”
“If only I could lose a few pounds, I would start exercising again” (dad’s favorite)
All of these, when repeated often enough, have a tendency to become self fulfilling prophecies; if we tell ourselves enough times that we’re going to wreck the car, well, we might as well put the tow truck on speed dial, as we’re probably going to wreck the car.
I have been given a second chance at life, and fear and regret is not how I choose to live it, so I choose instead to forgive, not just others but myself as well; there is a time to stand and a time to kneel, and it’s my time to stand.
Of course, I’m usually standing directly on dad’s tender vegetation, liberally lathering his face with warm dog spit, but that’s OK;
He’ll forgive me.
The book…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HLJJZOO
Just bought the book!
I really needed this message today!! Charlie, Thank you for all your insight..I think this is twice in the last week that what you said has personally touched my heart…someday I will come visit you at the Casa and give you big hugs!!
And let me add that I love this line : “No matter where you are on the road of life, may you find your own personal Charlie; we be of one blood, ye and I.”
Wise words as always Charlie. Give me a few moments to fully awaken, and I’m getting the book! Woohoo!
I am loving the book. It us a great read!
Ordered!!
I am always wondering…. Does the idiot that put you in that crate have Internet? Does he/she have Facebook? Do they read about you when it pops up in their feed? Do they realize that you are a happy, healthy, loved member of the Casa? Not to mention, an author? Although I try to live by your words of forgiveness, part of me hopes they see it and have guilt galore! Is that a bad thing? Love you sweet Charlie girl. Hope to meet you some day!!
Come on over, we’ll leave the bowl out for ya!
Looking forward to the print version of the book as I am still in the “dark ages” and do not have a Kindle.
That’s net on the list l, trying to design a proper cover
Book is in my Kindle reader!! So excited to get started.
Wonderful insight!
And could you do a black girl a favor and share these posts? We started the blog to potentially reach more family, but as a result, Facebook seems to be “throttling” to “encourage” payment to promote posts. Gracias from the Casias!
Done!
Shared 🙂
shared
Anything for the Inmates!
Shared!
Done. With pleasure.
Heartbreaking story-teller! How true whay you say…
Going to have your book ABSOLOTELY! For reading it every time I want!
Perfect…
Your words can make me belly laugh or move me to tears. Can’t wait to read the book.
Loving the read…..
I will look for your book Charlie on my Fire thingy. I hope it has lotsa pictures.
So true about bad sentence when repeating become an affirmation, therefore kind of prophesy. Also like how you see revenge and hate as waste of time and effort, a lack of self control. Thanks.
Love this photo!
Such a great way of putting it Charlie. Ever thought of hanging a shingle? You’d make a ton of monies. Facebook is doing this “stuff” to every org…, and it’s not right.
What do you mean by hanging a shingle? I always thought that be was becoming a lawyer!
applies to any professional, meaning a shrink for Charlie. At least that’s my understanding.
Charlie is perfect for her own special kind of “therapy”, she’s the living embodiment of hope, proof of the light at the end of the tunnel..how could you not feel better after spending some time with her and her story..and of course all the other inmates be they two or four legged. ❤
I didn’t mean Charlie needed a shrink, Charlie could be a shrink.
you are one wise girl Charlie Bravo – The Motorcycle Rescue Dog Story 🙂
Awwww, there’s Angel!
And the monsters who left you don’t deserve to know what a treasure you turned out to be!!
You are so wise, Charlie.
As always, the timing of your message is eerily perfect. I’m really wrestling with periods of despair over what is going on in this sad old world. Fortunately, I am abundantly blessed with those ( i.e. CB and many others of the same blood) who remind me of what is of far, far greater energy and importance. 10,000 and eternal thanks.
Are girls know the feeling, its super hot and muggy in the uk at the moment.
how about an ice bath for all you fluffies
The girls are all in agreement, although Max is concerned about shrinkage
Shared in Western Australia , I just love reading your adventures <3
If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing so you will heap burning coal upon their heads. Romans 12:20
Several weeks ago (in reaponse to one of Dad’s posts) I suggsted that maybe it was time for you to share your thoughts on forgiveness. I’m betting you are a good influence on Dad. You certainly are on me. Thx. ❤️
I’m waiting for it in Canada too if that’s possible 🙂
I just bought the Kindle version thru Amazon.com. Wish I could meet you Charlie girl, but it’s very hard for me to get very far from home. I hurt so bad all the time. My back is really bad, and the arthritis running thru me everywhere the pain is brutal at times. I’m going to have a procedure on the low back and hope it works! Then I’m getting a passport and I’m going to book a cruise. Going to try and get in an adventure! Keep your paws crossed for me Charlie girl! ♡