Protected or Trapped?

Recently I went to a nature center & left feeling uncertain whether the animals were better off in or out of their "safety" pens.  Why?  Because of how sad they all looked.  See for yourself.  The fox, bobcat, bald eagle, snow owl and barn owls all looked downtrodden and upset, even.  As if to say, "Let me out of here.  I might be in danger out in the forest, but I'll have my freedom, and that's what I really want."

Every animal looked so sad, I couldn't bear to see their suffering behind fences.  Dependant on their keepers for food not necessarily shelter.  And, most were in isolation, kept apart from their buddies and pals.  That's not right.

I don't know what the answer is, as I suspect they'd have a hard time of it in the wild and may even be hunted down by a predator---two or four-legged.  At least in the nature center, they'll be safe.  But, at what cost?  To their sanity?  One snow owl already died because of stress, one of the rangers told me.  She hated being kept penned up.  I don't blame her.

A hard question.  One worth pondering.  Animals value their freedom.  Just like most of us.

Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

I know what it's like. I've seen it played out a few zillion times. You're waiting for that magical day when someone makes the connection and recognizes who you really are.

Maybe they'll first catch the sparkle in your eye. Or perhaps they'll marvel at your insights and the depth of your spirit. Someone who will help you connect the dots, believe in yourself, and make sense of it all. Someone who will understand you, approve of you, and unhesitatingly give you a leg up so that life can pluck your ready, ripened self from the branch of magnificence.

Well, I'm here to tell you, your wait is over.

That someone, is you!

Mike Dooley

Inspirational Author, Speaker and Friend

(Un) Happy Valentine's Day

When you're single, Valentine's Day can be a drag.  And, so it was.  Rather than lament, I'll supply you with a bevy of beautiful images designed to lift your spirits and make you smile.  They did for me.  Enjoy!