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I’ve learned 3 major lessons in the 3 weeks since getting this puppy:
1. It’s okay ask for what I want in this life.
2. I don’t have to do it all on my own. It’s okay to ask for help.
I almost gave up on the dream of keeping this puppy when my landlord told me the pet deposit would cost me $600. The landlord does target practice on squirrels and cuts down trees to deter birds from coming on the property. He makes no secret of his dislike for animals. The deterrent to having a pet in the apartment complex is $300, but apparently, that’s just for cats. When he saw Jon Snow, he raised it to $600.00. I walked out of his office dejected. I felt defeated. I imagined giving Jon Snow away to someone who could afford him. That vision sounded like my nails scratching a chalkboard in my soul. I redirected my mind to imagining enjoying a lifetime with this pup. I asked myself “what are all the possibilities I can’t see right now? How can I raise this money?” I decided to ask for help. I set up a Go Fund Me campaign and shared it on social media.
Within 2 days, 30 of my friends (and a few generous strangers) helped us to hit our goal! The experience of being loved this way is amazing in itself. I’ve learned a LOT about asking for what I want & need, and letting people love me through this process. I’ve seen just how counter-productive “pride” is. I see how easy it is to let people help me when something as important as this is on the line. Me and Jon Snow will never be able to fully express our gratitude. I’m so grateful to be blessed.
Which leads to the third lesson, about why people are so willing to help:
3. People want to see me happy. Even people I don’t know will go out of their way to help me purely for the sake of having me experience joy.
What a paradigm shift!
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Photo Credit: Author