From My Perspective: Finding the things we love

We find the things we love when we take the time to encourage growth in ourselves.

Think about it, did you just wake up and realize one day that you like to (fill in the blank) or, was it something you learned? Better yet, was it something you learned from someone special, important or influential in your life?

For me, it was learning how to crochet with my grandmother. I remember growing up as a child watching her create the coolest things. They may not have been cool to anyone else, but let's re-member, it was when I was under the age of eight, and I adored and admired my grandmother. Then, for my birthday one year, she had crocheted me a blanket in colors to match my room. It wasn't just a little thing either – it was as big as my whole bed. I would take naps with it wrapped around me, and I felt secure.

I'm not sure I could have known at the time that what she was doing with that little hook and a skein of bright acrylic yarn was teaching me how to appreciate things that are handmade, or teach-ing me a skill that would one day become such a part of who I am, bring me such immense joy, and start a business doing something I truly love.

There are other things I've learned to love along the way of this adventure called life. From a very early age, I knew that I loved animals. Dogs, cats, horses, and the like. When I was about eight or nine, my mom began showing and raising Labrador Retrievers. I was exposed to so many talented and wonderful people on those show circuits. Everyone from fellow breeders, to dog handlers and veterinary personnel, and other kids my age and a little older who were learning the same things as me. I think my parents and all that surrounded everything to do with the shows started me on an early career working with animals.

My first paying jobs were at ranches working with horses - ok, mostly mucking stalls and grooming, but I learned a great deal of respect for these large animals, as well as a love for them I could have never imagined. Then I began working in veterinary clinics. When I was 16, I had a job as a "junior vet tech" which was basically a glorified title janitor, but I was always welcomed to watch surgical procedures and ask questions. I worked in veterinary clinics, and later animal shelters, where I was lucky enough to help animals, run events to raise money, work with amazing volunteers, and teach humane education for more than twenty years.

My daughter, who helped with lots of "foster animals" over the years, took her knowledge and love for animals a step further and started her own business working with animals and doing something she loves. I'd like to think she learned some of that from me.

So, what are the things you love that encourage growth in your life? Who helped you discover them? In what ways have you helped another develop a love for something?

I bet if you think about it, you'll discover a little piece of fond memory. I'm not sure I've ever ac-tually thanked the people who gave me their time and knowledge in giving me passion for the things I love. I think it may be time to make a couple of phone calls, because truthfully, I'm not sure I'd be where I am, and the person I am, without them.