Friday, May 20, 2011

The Life Coach


The Life Coach

When Edward is serious about taking a nap, he rolls over onto his side. Next, from the depths of his soul, comes a deeply relaxing sigh. And then, with perfect comedic timing, his ear flips up. A pleasing puzzle piece of his individuality, signifying both nonchalance and utter contentment.
And I sit watching him, taking notes.

Here in the states there is now a rather perplexing occupation known as the “life coach”. As I understand it, the life coach is a fellow who follows you around whispering encouragement and validation in your ear - for a fee, of course. Never any further than a phone call away, he stands at the ready to fluff up your confidence, remind you of your brilliance, and convince you that the goals you have set for yourself are not only attainable, but your success in reaching them is well and truly deserved. A fairly recent invention, the life coach seems to have sprung fully formed from the same tide that spawned celebrity self-help books and television psychologists. It reminds me a bit of author David Sedaris’ humourous essay about his sister who, when feeling a bit inadequate, trained her parrot to yell uplifting phrases in her direction whenever she entered the room. “You Can DO It!” and “We Love You, LISA!!”.
To me, the whole concept of hiring someone to keep you motivated and in the proper state of mind seems to teeter a bit close to the slippery side of navel-gazing, but then again, perhaps I am being too harsh. Perhaps it is a needed assistance for some people. After all, not everyone is lucky enough to live with their very own life coach, for not everyone lives with a dog.

In addition to consistently making me feel like the most important person on the planet, Edward is a teacher well-versed in the things of life that matter most.
I simply watch, and learn. For instance....
He never feels the slightest bit guilty when taking an afternoon nap.
He never turns away from a hug.
He savours each meal set before him and gazes at the chef in gratitude.
He bounds outside each morning as though that day is the best one he’s known.
I study him sometimes, lying in the grass of the back garden- eyes closed, head raised, just smelling the sweet-scented air, and it’s clear that no other moment but this one matters to him.
Edward always lets us know how much we mean to him, charging up to welcome us home with a fat, furry grin on his face, whether we’ve been away for a day or an hour.
He takes his turn. He loves to play.
He never holds the slightest grudge. Even when we leave him behind, all is forgiven the second he see us return.
He delights in a long walk, or two, in the fresh air each day.
He loves music, but is comfortable with quiet.
Though certainly no pushover, he tempers his strength with dignity and can stop Apple from advancing on his favourite toy with a nothing more than a look.
Though fiercely protective of those he loves, he never picks a fight.
He is loyal, the best listener, and he always runs towards laughter.
He loves to travel, but is always happiest coming back up his own front steps.
For all the importance we humans seem to place on giddiness, excitement and grand passion, Edward seems to concern himself more with contentment. And, as contentment is known to wither in the face of fear or regret, he reminds me to banish those things from my life.
With so many lessons, full and freely given, I can think of no better life coach than Edward.
I feel blessed to learn from him each and every day.


35 comments:

  1. He is the perfect life coach, best friend, loves with his whole heart, a great foot warmer and the best secret keeper.

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  2. Perhaps life coaches are for people who haven't any friends...or self esteem.

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  3. Just being free to "be" is an amazing gift.

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  4. Ohhh he's just sooooooo precious! Animals always teach us the best of everything in life. Indeed wonderful life coaches they are!Fabulous post as always Pamela.
    xx, shell

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  5. Having recently adopted a second *life coach,* I can only agree wholeheartedly with your canine assessment. They are miracles wrapped in fur!

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  6. I could not agree more; and that ear trick, marvelous!

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  7. I am sending this to my lovely sister in VA. She is a coach to troubled adolescents as well as a dog lover and advocate. You have a wonderful life coach in Edward. Your observations of his coaching talents encourage me to watch my dogs for the same. It is always a joy to come home and be thoroughly welcomed :).

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  8. Ah, this is fantastic, Pamela!

    I need to spend more time observing my 3 life coaches as well, though I suspect Edward is far more well-adjusted than my 3 gods, I mean dogs!

    I love how you so aptly described Edward without anthropomorphizing him. You may well like this book, Pamela: "Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know" by Alexandra Horowitz. It really is the finest, most insightful and delightful book on dog behavior I have yet to read. Documented to please any scientist and yet written with the clear passion of one who loves dogs and is graced by living with one.

    In fact, I may just have to write a post about it.

    Cheers!

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  9. I can't remember where I read it, or even who said it, but this quotation pretty much sums up how I feel about dogs. "Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault really."

    A loved and loving dog is better than having a life coach. The only payment they require is that somebody feeds them. They will still love you, even if you forget once in a while!

    They give us complete and totally unconditional love in its purest form. And when they're gone, you miss them forever.

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  10. Had a double take when I saw what appeared to be Wilf staring back at me from the screen . You've summed up perfectly that special something that is ' life with a PON ' .

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  11. Perfect, Pamela....beautiful sentiments as always, xv.

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  12. Ahhh, what a guy, your Edward!

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  13. Nicely observed.
    From my home, however, I shall try to avoid being coached into a pathological desire to chase rabbits! That's terriers for you.

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  14. Oh Pamela,
    You and The Songwriter have been blessed with the greatest of all companions. He is a joy and he knows how much you love him.
    He is indeed your very own live-in life coach who only wants his payment to be love, a place to lay his head and......FOOD !!
    I know that Edward was also blessed when he came to live with you. He couldn't have found a better home. XXXX

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  15. Whilst I do have three of my own life coaches I think I may need to borrow Edward for a while?...please!

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  16. What a wonderful tribute to Edward! I am just sitting here with a a smile and a warm feeling that your post evokes.

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  17. I wish I never felt guilty when taking an afternoon nap. I can't help it though. If I lie down for 15 minutes I feel like I need to get up and do something.
    Lucky you to have Edward. I need a life coach like him in my world.

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  18. aye..what a sweet sweet post! Love your gratitude for Edward and his loyalty and love of you!

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  19. I endorse every word of that Pamela and totally agree that the world's besy life coach is undoubtedly a dog - of what ever breed. I could not live without mu Tess.

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  20. Usually I climb in bed and give the big sigh and then my Thor give one too. He is so fun, almost human.

    yvonne

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  21. I had heard of a life coach but hadn't a clue what it involved. Thanks for enlightening me. But, I'm with you, Edward is the perfect life coach - as were my two kitties -- almost time for another life coach. Love that unconditional love!

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  22. Out of all of your writings, I've had the privilege to read, I think this is my favorite. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

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  23. Pamela, certainly one of the best stories you’ve ever told. I loved this...I saw Edward, smelled him, touched him and felt his warmth as I layed next to him. What a charming, beautiful, delightful family you have.. I love you all.

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  24. Bravo for Edward! What better life coach than a happy, excited, best friend?

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  25. Edward is a grand teacher, and truly the best life coach. So much we can learn from the animals that share our days - that contentment with the moment is beautiful. Lovely post - and I so long to give Edward a cuddle! Give him a hug from me. :)

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  26. What a face! I love David Sedaris too. I agree: dogs are the best life coaches. We’ll be getting a puppy in September. You can’t feel sad with a goofy Golden Retriever grinning at you. Here’s to naps, long walks and good meals!

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  27. what a wonderful "life lesson" post! It almost makes me want to acquire a dog just to experience such unconditional love....but I have a love bird.... that isn't near as accomodating with affection but does "fluff up" everytime I come near. That will have to be enough encouragement for now! :)

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  28. What a superb post. Edward has got all his priorities right and a good many members of the human race could learn some valuable lessons from him.

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  29. Sounds as if Edward has his life in perspective and we could all learn a lesson or two from him.

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  30. Sweet Edward :)

    Can he come to my house and play?

    Jeanne xxx

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  31. I' am italian not speak english, Edward is beautiful! I love dogs... Ivana Sabarese from Genova, Liguria, Italia

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  32. Ahh! That's wonderful. I could do with an Edward.

    The last picture is gorgeous xx

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  33. I loved reading this post. Thank you for writing it.

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  34. Perfect! Wonderful! Completely true! I'm always saying of one person or another, what they need is a good, good dog. Our son has his own dog for the first time, and that dog has changed his life. I believe in dogs. And my uncle, a big dog lover and a very devout Episcopalian, reminded us often what dog is spelled backwards.

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!