Aspirations

Do you aspire to greatness?

My dad was a farmer, to support his family he worked the land, and raised cattle. One evening, when I was five, he came home from the fields and I declared to him, in my young enthusiasm, that I was going to be a vet.  Twenty years later, after what felt like a marathon of study and learning, I achieved that goal. I fulfilled that aspiration, and then came to realise that the hard work had only just begun! I was fortunate to become a partner in a veterinary business fairly soon after qualifying and I thought I would stay there until retirement.

Contrary to my expectations (and dare I say ‘aspirations’), the Universe had other ideas for my life. After a series of challenging detours and roadblocks, my career took a very different path. Today I find myself in the field of small animal physical rehabilitation which is a new and exciting profession and filled with its own, unique set of aspirations.

This journey has caused me to ask a number of questions about the nature of success and achievement. What determines greatness? Does the deemed status of a chosen profession determine greatness? Or is greatness measured in the currency of wealth? Does the ability to affect another person’s life determine greatness? Is a medical doctor any greater than a personal assistant? Does the status and extent of one’s followers and fans determine greatness? Does the life of Bill Gates have more value than the one led by Mother Theresa?

We all have a deeply embedded set of personal values, and these differ from individual to individual. For me, greatness is defined by how much kindness, honesty, determination and generosity of spirit a person displays in his or her life.

For me greatness revolves around being the best version of me that I can be. Will I make mistakes during the process? Of course! Will I veer off in the wrong direction every so often? Most definitely! Will I hurt the people I share my life with? Most certainly but, hopefully, never intentionally. Will I steadfastly follow my calling? Absolutely! Will I be considerate and respectful to all living beings? With all of my heart.

Mindful, soulful, whole living.

Do you aspire to greatness?     I do.

Affirmations

Last week I examined a patient that I have not seen for more than two years. His original problem, discospondylitis, was successfully treated and Max is fully rehabilitated. He now has a soft tissue injury, hence the consultation.

After watching Max move, the three of us (patient, guardian and I) moved inside and sat down. Max settled on the mat and I began my history-taking. About 90 seconds into the conversation Max rises, steps onto the couch next to me and lays himself across my lap! Did I mention that Max is an enormous Rottweiler?

Why am I writing this in a blog? Max gave me an affirmation – absolute and honest. He has never done this before. For the rest of the day I walked around with a goofy grin on my face and my head in the clouds. My interpretation, “You’re okay Doc. I trust you so let’s get on with it.” Behaviourists may say something else, but this is my story.

What is the significance of Max’s action?

As humans, we need to be affirmed. We want others to acknowledge our kindness, generosity, effort or good deed. As Gary Chapman discussed in his book The 5 Love Languages, affirmation is one of my love languages. For how many other people is this true?

When was the last time you complimented a team member? Or smiled at the supermarket cashier? Or bought flowers for the person you thought was so kind? (Sam, this is you).

Simple actions can make such a difference – every day.

P.S.

Since writing this blog Animal Health Solutions was nominated for the 702 and Sage Small Business Awards. Now that's affirmation!   

SBA Podcast

Pip

Pip had a front limb amputation just over one year ago. The reason for the amputation was osteosarcoma – bone cancer. What makes Pip so exceptional? Read on to find out.

Pip had been a hydro patient for a number of years prior to her cancer diagnosis. She has osteoarthritis of elbows and wrists (carpal joints) in both front legs. When she developed a nagging, pain in her right forelimb our original thought was that it was soft tissue injury and we increased her pain medication. When Pip failed to respond to this treatment, her guardian took her for radiographs at a trusted veterinarian: the same vet who had administered stem cell therapy to aid Pip’s arthritic joints. X-ray photos revealed a very small lesion at the top of the humerus which the vet biopsied. The results were devastating! Bone cancer...

Osteosarcoma is an extremely aggressive and painful cancer which attacks and spreads to other organs in the blink of an eye. Further radiographs revealed no metastasis (spread) to the lungs. The tumour had been identified soon enough to make amputation of the affected limb a feasible option.

The tough question now was, ‘Would a 9 year old  Bouvier des Flandres weighing close to 40 kilograms, cope on one arthritic front leg?’

Pip’s lust for life and spirit were so strong that her guardian chose the amputation route. This was followed by a course of chemotherapy to ensure that any nodules too small to be noticed, were treated.

Pip’s diet was changed to one best able to combat cancer as well as to encourage weight loss. Two weeks after surgery our team members were massaging Pip to help her to deal with a change in movement patterns brought on by the amputation. We also suggested an orthotic brace to support the left carpal joint. The adaptive process took a number of months.

During this phase Pip often lost her balance, or moved too quickly, and fell, hard, onto her chin. Each time a determined Pip lifted herself up and soldiered on. She often refused assistance. Many times her guardian asked me if she had made the correct choice. Should she not have opted for palliative care or only chemotherapy, rather than have Pip struggle through this adjustment and ordeal following the amputation?

I ask again, ‘What makes Pip exceptional?’

Firstly, she has never given up. Secondly, she has never felt sorry for herself. Each time she falls, Pip rises to meet the challenge and live life. Thirdly, Pip has beaten the odds! Most osteosarcoma victims live 3 – 6 months from date of diagnosis if only palliative care is administered. If the limb is amputated and other preventive measures are taken, the survival time is 9 – 12 months. Finally, Pip is a teacher. I have learnt from Pip that there is no such thing as a wrong decision, despite the challenges we face as a result of that decision. There are only decisions made that are ‘right at the time.’ Given Pip’s incredible will to live and enjoyment of life, the decision to give her a chance was the best one.

No one was ready to say goodbye, not her guardian, and definitely not Pip. We have enjoyed Pip’s company for an extra year. Long may it continue!

P.S. Pip’s latest radiographs at 12 months post diagnosis show her lungs are still clear of metastasis. She weighs 34 kilograms. She is enjoying, and roughing it with, a new Bouvier puppy in the house.

Stem Cell Therapy   www.medivetsa.co.za

Orthotics and Braces for Animals

https://www.facebook.com/Animalcaredivision/?fref=nf  

Change

The one constant in life is change (and taxes, but that’s a different story). Most of us are afraid of change. We become comfortable with the way things are, the habits we have, and the people we see. Soon, we no longer see positives and negatives. Instead we lope along in a state of limbo. We fail to evaluate our lives, and consider what may or may not be working for us, until something happens which shakes us out of this status quo.

If we are then brave enough to take stock and have the courage of our convictions, we can make a decision to change. Hopefully it will be for the better. This process is often arduous and fraught with self-doubt. Even after we have made the decision, we second-guess ourselves. This continues until we realise that we once again have a spring in our step, we are singing in the shower, and it’s a joy to wake in the morning. How could we have been so blind?

Set this harsh criticism aside and embrace what is.

If you are facing a difficult decision or your life is dreadfully unhappy, I urge you to take the first step. Inertia will destroy you. Just do it!

What is Right with You?

I am the Creator of my own destiny. The choices I have made have resulted in my present life. It is currently a time of great stress in that I have, once again, said, “Yes,” when I should have established a boundary. Time flies past in a blur of appointments, reports and deadlines.

When I feel overwhelmed my emotions run high. I struggle with other people’s actions and decisions which affect me. I begin to view myself as the common denominator. The result is that I turn inwards and ask, “What is wrong with me?” I have spent a lifetime asking this question.

Tonight, after a tiring and exhausting week (it’s only Tuesday) and a lunch-time melt down, I rephrased the question. “What is right with me?”

This is what I discovered. I am hard-working and honest, bold and brave, intuitive and sincere. I care. I care to the point where it is detrimental to my well-being. I love. I love deeply and am often hurt. I trust. I trust completely and find disappointment. But, despite all of this, I rise every morning and put myself out there to experience THIS life. This glorious, beautiful and frustrating life.

I am alive and the Master of my own destiny. I can choose to view this existence in any way I please. Right now, I choose to ask, “What is right with me?” I am thrilled with my answers.

I dare you to delve into those areas that society frequently asks us to deny. Be honest with yourself if I ask, “What is right with you?”

My Comrades Ultra Marathon Journey

On 16^th June 2006 I found myself in a hospital bed in Cape Town, watching the Comrades Marathon. This was my final surgical procedure. That translated to success! I had been in and out of hospital for examinations and abdominal surgeries for the preceding two years, and more. That day, I made a promise to myself that in 2007, 365 days on, I would complete the Comrades Marathon.

Prior to my decision I had completed a few half marathons (21.1kms), none of them recently, due to my health issues. How was I to finish 89.9kms in one day? There were many seasoned runners that stated it was not possible to be adequately trained for the Comrades Marathon in that space of time, with my limited running experience. These people believed I should spend 2007 running marathons and attempt the Comrades the following year. I knew that my motivation was never going to be better than it was at the time and so I chose to ignore them all.

In October 2006 I received the ‘all clear’ from the specialist surgeon. Up to this point I had been walking and had returned to the gym to regain some muscular strength. Once the surgeon pronounced me healthy it was all systems go!

So I progressed through the training; 21.1kms, 32kms, 42.2kms (my first marathon and my qualifying event for Comrades). I have a friend who is a qualified biokineticist, and I also know a sports masseuse. I used their skills and knowledge. I followed the training schedule of the running club of which I am a member. I ate, slept and drank Comrades Marathon! The training rules your life. You are unable to go out with non-runner friends because the evening ends too late. I had to be up at 04h00 to run. Other friends serve dishes which are not conducive to gastro-intestinal health. There are not usually toilet facilities on the road! Do not imbibe the extra beer or your body will pay for it in the next session. Muscle and joint aches are a part of everyday life and still, you push yourself to run. I attended talks, devoured books and articles on the Comrades Ultra. I listened to my body.

16^th June 2007 finally dawned. It was a ‘down’ run – Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Everything you see on the television and hear on the radio does nothing to prepare you for the emotion as you stand amongst thousands of runners, taking up the challenge. Chariots of Fire blares through the speakers, the cock crows and the race begins.

I completed the Comrades marathon in 11 hours 10 minutes and 6 seconds – we just missed a bronze medal. No matter. It was one of the best days of my life! I ran with my husband Hugh, all the way. The crowds buoy you. Family members support you with Marmite sarmies at the half-way point. I did not stop smiling or chirping the entire way. I trained for this! Entering the stadium, the crowd is cheering for you. What a feeling of elation.

I ached physically for a month after. The Comrades Marathon changed my life. It was such a monumental undertaking, at such an important time of my life. (Did I mention I turned 40 in 2007?) It proved to me that I can tackle the impossible and win. For days afterwards I would stare at my medal in wonder. Weeks after I would comment to Hugh, “Hey love, we finished the Comrades Marathon!”  Months on from there and I was still in awe of my achievement. Reality finally emerged. I had set an incredible goal, persevered and completed the task. I realised I can do anything provided I am motivated to do it. That has changed my life.

Every year I am involved with the Comrades Ultra Marathon in some way. I doubt I will run another because my first experience would be so hard to beat. The set of circumstances surrounding my decision was unique and a huge contribution to my success. But, I relive my race, pat myself on the back and remind myself that ALL things are possible.

What challenges you? What motivates you? What have you achieved against all odds that changed the way you perceive yourself? If you haven’t yet walked this road, what are you waiting for? It is SO worth it!!!

Respect

This blog will probably raise some eyebrows and I hope stimulate a conversation or two. My thoughts revolve around the topic of the choice to be vegetarian, vegan or omnivorous.

Most of my vegan friends have moral reasons for choosing to forgo meat. Some have simply found that vegetable matter better suits their constitution. When one considers the moral aspect of eating meat, this involves an emotional investment in animals. I am referring to the recognition of animals as sentient beings that are being exploited for human gain. There is no regard for their natural state. They are placed in feedlots and batteries, literally force fed on unnatural feed, to produce a product for human consumption. And, quite understandably many people, myself included find this barbaric!

The second aspect of choosing veganism has to do with the manner in which animals are slaughtered. Abattoirs are a curse of modern society and its overpopulation of the planet. Transport to the place of killing is stressful and physically damaging; the manner of death is inhumane. Those animals waiting are exposed to this trauma.

Dr Temple Grandin has done much to improve these situations. She has made it her life’s mission “to educate people throughout the world about modern methods of livestock handling which will improve animal welfare and productivity”.(Click on the hyperlink above to access her website.)

Other proponents of the vegan lifestyle speak of energy acquired through consumption. Eating (whether meat or vegetable) is necessary for our survival. Eating is a conversion of energy. Energy is required to sustain our bodies.

If one considers energy in a plant, it is possible to improve the nutritional value of the vegetable harvest by growing plants not only in a nutrient-rich and chemical-free environment, but also in a loving space.

In an article titled: ‘Scientific Evidence Thoughts & Intentions Can Alter The Physical World Around Us’ (The Mind Unleashed.org, Jan 23 2014), the work of Dr Masaru Emoto is discussed. Here the effects of words and thought on rice and water are scientifically recorded in a way which leaves the reader much more aware of his or her use of words. (Click on the hyperlink above to access the website.)

The Intention Experiment has been carrying out a series of ‘Germination Intention Experiments’ since 2007.  In these scientifically controlled experiments Dr. Gary Schwartz and his laboratory team at the University of Arizona  test whether intention can affect the growth of plants. (Click on the hyperlink above to access the website.)

So, by consuming meat that is produced in the conventional arena what sort of energy are we absorbing? Unnatural, stressed and with hormones and other additives. Would it be possible to raise animals in their natural state, with love and respect? Then, follow this with slaughter that is quick, painless and not witnessed, preceded by a prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving (as performed by many ancient tribes). How would these exercises affect the end product? Would this be a palatable option to those who still choose to eat meat?

Finally, what about the concept that plants too, are sentient? Are you sure that the reactions we measure in trees growing next to those that are cut down, are purely chemical? If you could entertain the fact that plants may have feelings (I believe they do and that we have not yet learnt to communicate with them) then what are we going to eat?

In an article entitled ‘Humanity is waking up to the intelligence of nature’, (Wake-up World.org, Aug 2015)  Paul Lenda discusses the growing body of science supporting the view that both animals and plants display signs of sentience and should be afforded certain rights on that basis. (Click on the hyperlink above to access the website.)

In conclusion, I believe that all beings (plant, animal and mineral) have huge value. Our salvation lies in recognising and honouring their contributions. All beings deserve respect.