Sexy, Sophisticated Plus Size Clothing in sizes 12-32

This month is different for me. Here are some questions for you, dear reader!

My dear, treasured pal, Grace Lee Brown/dog died a few weeks ago after 17 years together. She was a border terrier who went to work with me each day and taught me ALL about bountiful living. I have been unbelievably sad without her. If you are a critter person, this will make sense to you; if you are not, you may think I am daft. Let me pass on a few of the things she knew, hoping that one or more might speak to you. She knew about a lot of things including being deserving of good things, something that many of us don't claim for ourselves.

If you are hungry, eat, savor, enjoy and love whatever you are choosing; don't miss it. She, unlike some creatures, stopped when she was full, didn't like it or was not in the mood. Do you do that? Eating consciously is a good thing to do.

If you want attention, go to the object of your affection, rub up against them or just look at them until they get the idea of what is important, right now, maybe even bark. Gracie girl knew how to flirt and strut, too! If she found someone she liked, she would persevere until she got a response. If there was mutual attraction, she would get her pets and cuddles. If not, oh well, she would move along to whatever and whomever was next. Do you ask for what you need from the people around you or do you believe the great myth -- if I have to ask for someone to pay attention to me then it means that they don't love me because if they loved me they would know what I want and need and be there for me.

Gracie knew how to love. One of her fans said, " Gracie was a special kind of love dog that automatically opens up the love pores of people." After this man had talked to Gracie for a short time, she knew she loved his energy. She walked over and he bent down to say hello; she just kissed him, some people would call that a slurp. He liked her so he scooped her up and they had a connection. When the energy is sizzling or positive or friendly, do you take the initiative to say, "come over and be with me" in words or deeds?

She loved the boys. She loved the girls. She loved. There are all kinds of love. Don't miss out on love wherever it presents itself or you feel it. Sometimes, we forget that we need to give love and receive love to have a full life. Sometimes, our judgments about what is the "right" kind of love interferes with our sharing wonderful moments with people who don't fit the definition of what is okay. Love counts. Are you noticing the love, warmth, friendliness in your world or, as so often happens, are you oblivious to people who around you who don't fit the rules?

Being number two was okay for Gracie, too. Most of us want to be number one. She knew that when it was her turn, even if she had to wait longer than she might have preferred, being number two turned into being number one when the spotlight turned to her. She didn't mope or reject the offering, she just was there for whatever she got. Do you require that people come to you first rather than appreciating what is? What if he/she liked someone else first and then turned to you or you like them and they didn't seem to notice you as quickly as you wish they had? Do you reject them? I hope not!

If she didn't feel well, she let it be known so she could and did get help. Do you get help when you need it rather than waiting or not going because you don't want to hear about losing weight, getting weighed, don't fit in the gown or the chairs. Go, get what you need. Speak up, too! Barking might not be the first choice but, if you don't get what you need, it might be necessary. Barking, then growling are warnings. Some people start with a bite and have consequences they don't intend.

Gracie knew how to play, and then play more and more and more. Play and fun are the essence of what makes life light and joyful. Is fun a four letter word for you? Are you playing enough? Are you also doing what you need to do to make life work for you -- move, be with people who love you so much, and enjoy all that is available?

This little twenty pound dog loved to be petted and could/would sit as long as she wanted, getting petted. She just took it in. Do you let yourself be present for the pleasure of being touched without listening to your inner critic about your body? Can you let yourself be mindful of the goodness of positive touch? Enjoy it. We all need to touch and be touched, a lot!

She knew it was okay to keep trying and be persistent way past when I was done with whatever. Do you go for what you want, take stock, try again and again and again if that goal is important to you?

Gracie ran very fast! If you have to run for what you want, run as fast as you can toward it. When the times come that you have to get away from whomever or whatever is not good for you, run very fast, don't look back, head for whatever is your future with the wind blowing your hair, running very, very fast.

She found her places, many of them, and made them oh so comfortable for her. Do you do what it takes to make you feel great about what you are doing -- at work, on the airplane, at the physician's office, with your family?

She was so nice to people that most of them could not resist her. She had her fans. The people who weren't interested in her or didn't like her, she just left alone because they were not of interest to her anymore. Do you savor the people who love you and let the others go or, as so many of us do, we work harder for the people who are not available to try to get them to love us? It's as if they -- the unavailable lover, friend, family member -- love us, we are somehow okay. Gracie didn't bother with the people who didn't think she was cute, didn't like her, or were lost in their own lives.

She just knew she was adorable. She pranced and paraded without worry about needing a bath or a haircut. (Border terriers get stripped or haircuts; they don't shed.) As her fur coat started showing wear and tear or she needed that bath, she still knew she was just so lovable. Can you be lovable at any size, no matter what? Of course, if you are wearing IGIGI clothes, you will be cool.

She taught me about growing older, slowing down, and that being okay, too. She tried and when she was tired, she sat down. What a concept, stop when you are tired. If you were taking care of someone who needed more help, you would assist them in making choices to do less. How about taking care of yourself as well as you take care of others -- your children, your friend, your partner?

Best of all, she taught me that sometimes, it is okay, and rather wonderful, to walk up and kiss a stranger. What do you think? Be sure to send me a note and let me know what happens!

Love, love, love, even if it hurts terribly when it doesn't work and when it is gone. Are you missing out on friendship, romance, connection that is possible because you are afraid of how it will turn out? Are you taking the chances you could to be closer to people? If someone thinks you're cool, that's fun. If they don't, move on.

I do know that out of the hardest and saddest times of my life, I have emerged with the forceful knowledge of what is good and right for me. I expect that will be true this time, too. Gracie taught me so much. She was a lifetime dog. There have been others. Maybe some day, there will be another critter in my life, but, for now, she is the best teacher a girl could ever have. I smile when I recall her boundless and bountiful energy. I hope she has given you a pause for thought, today, too.

Wishing you a bountiful life,
Bonnie
bonniebernell
BountifulWomen