Sitting on the Couch with Willow: And Turning 55 on Sunday

Every morning, after letting my dog Willow out a half dozen times and filling her bowl several times, she finally sits down next to me on the couch with a satisfying huff. Her chin eventually resting and her eyes softly closing. Then I take that deep breath as well. We made it. This is what I look forward to.

I am pretty sure I would be more accomplished if I moved to the table to work with my first cup of coffee each morning. After all, my most creative and productive time is in the morning with my coffee. My brain buzzes in that mystical way that allows me to think better, be more clear, take more risks. Wouldn’t I be more productive if I sat at my desk, back straight, shoulders back, feet on the floor? I believe I would.

But here is what I also know. I don’t know how many more mornings I will have with Willow sitting beside me, satisfied, resting, calm, happy. The two of us breathing together, hearing the birds outside, watching the deer amble by and wondering why the neighborhood dogs are barking. On the couch, we experience the world together as only slow connection can do.

Having raised two kids I know intimately that time is precious and moments are fleeting and connection is everything. I turn 55 on Sunday and I am wondering what is important to me. How I want to spend my time in this new phase of life. I am still unsure. Bouncing around the options. Paying attention to others. Questioning with wise people. Journaling, writing and reading. But it is these small moments, these small choices, that make a life. And I will start my mornings here, with my dog, on the couch.