There’s not a lot I would change about myself. I guess you could say love has made me confident. I stand proud, head held high, ears up, tail wagging. And no one is going to break me down. I am who I am.
I can’t say it’s always been that way. I, like anyone, have had my fair share of ups and downs with self esteem. (Being thought of as a clearance puppy comes to mind). But I’ve come to understand all of my past as an important part of my present. Challenge builds character, whether or not we like it (or realize it) at the time.
This is why I was initially a little confused by this thing called Halloween. People dress up as all kinds of things other than who they really are. Ghosts and goblins and vampires and witches. Why not instead celebrate who they are rather than focusing time, energy (and from what I understand sometimes a great deal of money) on the perfect costume?
I’ll tell you why. It’s fun. There is something kind of dangerous and exciting about putting yourself aside to become another character, if only for a day.
So today I became the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. It is a character with whom I identify closely, especially as I have begun to better understand the relationship between fear and purpose. Like me, the lion began his story blinded by a fear that had a negative hold on his self esteem. It took courage for him to understand that fear has no place in life. Given my own personal backstory, it was the perfect costume.
My trick or treat dates (otherwise known as a few of my favorite little people) were also dressed to impress. They included a ninja warrior, a flapper girl and Scarlett O’Hara. Together, we walked the streets of Grandma Schmidt’s neighborhood collecting a plethora of goodies that I can’t have.
I didn’t mind that (too much) though. Because it was fun. And underneath by lion getup I was still me. A little dog with a big heart. Even “in character” I want to share joy from the ground up with whomever will take it. I think that’s the secret to this whole Halloween thing.
Rather than seek to change everything about who you are, you ought to find a creative way to embrace it. Stand proud, with your head held high and your heart beating strong. Because at the end of the day we are ourselves again. And (whether we realize it or not) who we are is something pretty special.
You look so happy Wiley! Woooowooooos tooyoowooowoooooo!
I am happy. Tag, you’re it! 🙂
Wow you are so handsome. Those pictures do no justice to the real thing I’m sure…but you are quite the handsome little guy.
Dear friend! I haven’t seen you in a while! I hope all is well in your world. Thank you so much for your kind words. You make a doggie blush. 😉
Things are a bit hectic on the blog. But slowing down. I’m taking a stray cat we named max in to get neutered and tested. If all goes well he will come inside and learn to be a muse for the blog. 🙂
Any word on Max? I hope all goes well and he gets welcomed into the family.
Yes. He’s fiv positive so he can’t live with us, but he will be picked up by a lady who has other fiv positive cats and live inside. I’m crushed that I can’t take him, but the clinic vouched for the lady. So its bittersweet.
Bittersweet indeed – well, I am happy he will have a loving home from now on at least.
Me too but I’m going to miss seeing him everyday.
Come and visit me – hopefully my words can at least spark some joy. 😉
Well said Wiley – and I love your friends
Thanks! And I love them too. They teach me a lot about life. 😉
You lookin’ good there Mr. Wiley! Happy Halloween!
Thank you friend! Same to you!
At the end the cowardly Lion becomes King, because he had a brave heart :o) Have fun and enjoy a wonderful Howl-o-ween!
That only seems fair, dear brother. Perhaps we should be Kings at the end of our stories too. 🙂
Wiley you are as cute as ever! Huggies from Nikita and Bella!
Nikita and Bella! Huggies and high paws all around!
You look PERFECT, W. I love seeing you surrounded with all your good buddies! I wore my devil costume yesterday to visit the veteran’s home. One man we met was about to cry and was saying the word, “I don’t know where I am!” Mom used me to distract him. In a minute he was laughing and saying he hoped his face didn’t scare me. We assured him that he has a good face.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Oh, Cupcake! What a story you have right there! So glad you were able to help someone in distress. Best ~ HuntMode
Dear Cupcake,
It warms my little doggie heart to hear your story about the man in the veteran’s home. He needed joy in that moment, and you were there to give it to him (with a little help from your mom). You are an invaluable emotional resource to those folks and I am inspired by the work you do. Keep it up, dear one!
High paw,
Wiles
Wyles, another one of your best. “I am who I am.” Yes, indeed, you and we are. I read somewhere that we hold ourselves back from truly great goals and achieving ’em because we are too humble in our answer to the wrong question. P.S.: you look marvelous as the Cowardly Lion. My favorite part is when he approaches the Wizard, wringing his tail and then goes running out of the room when the Wizard yells at him. So understandable!
Dear friend,
Thank you for your words, thoughts, and heart.
Love,
Wyles
and you, Wyles.
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Challenge builds character, whether we realize it at the time or not.
Love the dresses of the girls, my favourite is the flapper girl as I do love the 20’s. I got one too…. 🙂