Have you ever received a gift of love, joy or hope during a challenging season of life?
This gift may come planned or unexpectedly. It may come in the warm hug of a friend, a joyful smile that ignites your light or a comforting ear to hear about your day. For me, this unexpected gift came in the form of a joyful and playful puppy named Bailey. Little did I know that Bailey would walk with me through many seasons of life and become the brightest light that helped me come back home to myself. I was blessed with so many lovely surprises along the way.
A year before I met Bailey, so much of my world fell apart. I was dealing with chronic pain from an on-the-job injury as a police officer. That pain and injury led to medical retirement and eventually opioid addiction. The housing market was crashing after I just built a house and my relationships were struggling. Losing my identity as a police officer, almost losing my home and losing my community made it hard to live with joy and purpose. I was white knuckling life and suffering in silence.
Bailey came into my world when everything was falling apart and walked the path of pain to purpose by my side. We went through many seasons, trials and transformations together all while he always showed me unconditional love and cuddles along the way. Bailey saved me and helped me find deeper meaning and purpose. He brought joyful color to my life after so much darkness.
Our furry friends and family members have an incredible ability to brighten our lives, offer companionship, facilitate healing, ignite happiness and offer unconditional love and support. They have a unique way to touch our heart and warm our soul.
Pets can have a profound impact on supporting mental health and overall well-being. They help us navigate anxiety, fear, depression and pain. They help us cope without judgement, stigmas, guilt and shame, thereby helping us navigate the mountains and valleys of our human experience with so much love.
Bailey has been at the root of my own healing journey; the purpose I discovered along the path and the incredible community that I feel so grateful for. He’s walked every health and habit challenge, he’s come with me to support others in recovery, he’s developed incredible connections with my networks and exudes joy everywhere he goes. Together we are a team creating a ripple and I thank him for the gifts he’s given to me over these last 13 years. KimWilson.me
BENEFITS OF HAVING A PET
Stress Reduction
Cuddling, walking, playing and connecting with your pet may help decrease levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing serotonin to boost mood.
Companionship
Their loving affection and companionship help to minimize or alleviate the emotions and feelings of isolation, loneliness and despair. Pets help us feel grounded, relaxed and safe.
Purpose and Strength
Pets help strengthen emotional resilience and well-being while we are navigating the ups and downs of life. Their companionship facilitates healing in a way that helps others feel needed and valued, adding purpose into life.
Life Lessons and Personal Growth
Pets help us learn how to love, trust and have empathy for others. We observe their non-verbal cues to understand their needs, helping us to learn how to create deeper connections with others.
Physical Activity and Healthy Habits
Having a dog that desires walks, hiking and movement encourages physical activity and exercise for the owner. Movement releases endorphins that support mental health, reduce negative emotions and improve mood. Pets also help us to commit to a healthy daily routine and lifestyle.
Connection
Animals not only share their life with us but they also help us connect with others. They help stimulate conversations, connection and bring like-minded people together, helping to foster new relationships.
AUTHOR BIO
Kim is a retired police officer, reinvention coach and a trauma informed yoga teacher. Her journey has been what she calls a pain to purpose, and one that is now used to help others. After struggling with loss of identity, opioid addiction and living with chronic pain, Kim discovered holistic tools, resources and modalities that she now uses to help others reinvent their life after a trial, tragedy or trauma. In addition to her coaching practice, she is involved in many community programs and works at the Buckeystown Freedom Center, where she helps those in their first 30 days of alcohol and drug recovery.