Lately much of my reading has centered around “what is the deeper purpose of my life”? Being in a healing profession, it is clear I am here to teach, inspire, support…SERVE. And while this is indeed part of my purpose, it seems I am being drawn closer and deeper into my life’s work. And when I say work, I don’t mean what I do for income. I mean what I do, whether I am paid or not, simply because I love it. Some examples: making tasty treats for the Sanctuary, taking pictures of my cats doing yoga, calling a friend to listen. In addition to this, I simply love sharing what my sister, Christine (pictured right) is up to.

Some of you know Christine, the pet lady, who rescues cats, pit bulls, and yes, even turtles. Over the years I have watched Christine hone her skill in service to helping animals. Anyone who knows Christine can see how much she loves being in service to animals, whether her own, a neighbors, or even a strangers!  Her love of animals knows no boundaries. It is pure unconditional love in action.  Christine has left money on the table in other careers to focus fully on her love of animals. Whether Christine is cooking meals for the animals of her clients, writing a cookbook (check out her book preview here) or rescuing kittens from the side of the Cross Island Parkway, Christine is fully engaged in the work of her life. It is indeed the work of her soul and she is simply the vehicle.

Most recently Christine started volunteering with her rescue pit bull Krsytal through an organization called “Paws for Friendship” to visit people in nursing homes. On any given Friday you will find Christine and Krystal, visiting people who need some love. You can see how much joy Krystal brings to people in this picture.

It literally brings tears of joy and gratitude to my eyes when I look at this picture. Christine is doing her souls work, living her purpose, following here calling, her dharma. What a gift! Some may say what a small life, that is what you do, all you do? I would say, what a magnificent, full life! To be in total service is to be in total love. The self disappears and all that remains is pure bliss.I often wonder what the world would be like if more of us had the courage to commit fully to our life’s work without regard for what “other people might say”.

So, what’s your bliss? Are you living it? How can you have more of it in your life? How can you be in service to what makes your heart sing? The answer might be simpler than you think and it might be right under your nose. Pay attention.

Thank you Christine for always having the courage to follow your bliss. I am your #1 Fan. Xo, S

Click here to learn more about Christine’s Holistic Pet Health Company BowMeowRow.

When I think about what drives me to live my own life, and not the life another person or society deems “appropriate” for me, I think of one word: inspiration.

Why inspiration?  Our time here is short and precious. I much rather spend time doing what inspires me and connecting with people who inspire me, with apologies to no one.

My sister, Christine, has always inspired me, even in the moments when I have raised an eyebrow in “disbelief” about her choices.  A few notables from the past: leaving a full time teaching job to start her Shaklee wellness business; moving out to the beach after our father died, leaving her family in Westchester; and most recently, rescuing pit bulls and giving them a home even when her home was “too small” by most people’s standards. 

Christine doesn’t do what others think she should.  She is bold, courageous, passionate and TOTALLY INSPIRING. Her healing work with animals is simply beautiful.  I am so proud of Christine and her AMAZING story that was featured this week on CBS, “Dogs in the City.”  You can view the entire segment here. Get those tissues out!!

Thought: The next time you notice you are judging yourself or someone else, maybe you need a little more inspiration of your own to understand? I certainly did! With understanding we can let go of that harsh voice of judgment a bit easier.  And let’s face it, life can be quite boring if not for those who inspire us to move beyond our comfort zone!!