When I was a child, my only definition for the word energy was what my mom referred to as having “pep.”  I wonder how many kids today would ever use that word? Not many, I would think.

There are so many other meanings attached to this word.  We use the term energy in phrases like “energy-efficient,” “energy-saving,” an “energy drain.”  Other terms, such as: electricity, natural gas, solar, nuclear, wind and water power, all sources of heat and cooling, are the types we use in our daily lives.

But, our personal energy, our “pep,” so to speak, has many forms also.  We have energy that is physical, mental and emotional. Adjectives, such as draining and invigorating, can be used to describe them.  Sometimes, sitting and waiting, trying to face the unknown, can require more energy than anything physical. It is important to always be aware of where we put this commodity.  We each may use it to affect good or bad outcomes. And if we are not aware, someone can zap it from us.

Energy can be part of one’s personality.  Optimism is considered energetic, even if one is physically unable to move.  One can exude energy from a wheelchair. One’s mind can be the source of that power.  In fact, I think that most of our personal energy resides in our minds.

There are times when I sit and marvel at what one word can provide as a tool to describe and name so many other things. Energy is one such word. It is a source of conflict in our world.  The rights to use energy resources has caused untold disputes, some even leading to wars. How we deal with energy can be the cause of life or death.

In closing, I would like to say that we need all kinds of energy to live.  It is up to us to find enough of this power that we need, to get through, and live to the fullest.

Since my father died, I’ve had a hole inside of me.

A grief I could not hide for one who used to guide me.

A yearning for the touch of his hand, the smile on his face,

That could erase all my fears.

To realize that never again

Could I call on him to share my laughter and tears.

And when I think of him, I remember all the things he did for me,

The way he loved me,

And how his love set me free.

Time, I think of time, in terms that have no rhyme for me.

And when I feel sublime, a sadness tries to climb me.

I struggle and I pray to my God to give me the faith I need to quell all my fears.

From heaven Dad is watching me now,

And I count on him to whisper prayers in God’s ears.

And when I think of him, I remember all the things he did for me,

The way he loved me,

And how his love set me free

Things are better now.

Time’s passage has empowered me.

God’s graces do endow a healing that allows me

His memory still fresh in my mind, it lives in my heart,

It makes me laugh through my tears.

I found that there was growth through the pain

And strength for the journey of my faith these past years.

And when I think of him, I remember all the things he did for me,

The way he loved me,

And how his love set me free.

And how his love set me free.

ⓒ 1994 Lora Marie Wade

I have come to believe that almost everything a person says or does is expressed from the inside out.  What I mean is, that whether a person is aware of it or not, one always has intention or motive that moves each action.  Most of what we say or do, does not happen by accident. We are sentient beings. How we feel inside will show on the outside.

Even when we hide our feelings, there are usually tell-tale signs of the true purpose of what we are choosing to do.  That’s why physically beautiful people can be tainted by ugly thoughts. These inner intentions may come out in subtle ways, but one can see it’s true value from the way that person can affect another one’s reaction to something done or said.

An example of this, is the way one expresses oneself verbally.  The words that are spoken can be sweet as sugar, but if the tone of the voice is condescending or sarcastic, the target of the interaction will be one of humiliation or mortification.  Bullying, whether verbal or physical, is a true indication of the result of what happens from the inside out.

Maya Angelou wrote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Even if the words and actions of people are remembered, the way they made you feel with always be with you in a more significant way.  People will remember bad feelings they suffered as children and can even carry those hurtful words or actions for the rest of their lives.

Therefore, if we want to live a good life and be a person who is kind and caring, it is important to realize that the intentions we hold inside are the true measure of who we really are.  Keeping good intentions then, is to keep in mind that whatever we say or do, the value of those actions will be felt from the inside out to the other human beings around us. Remember the golden rule and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” 

Have you ever witnessed a person employ a pregnant pause?  When this happens, you may begin to try and interpret what this break in the conversation could mean. But that will not usually be the best time to think about it. If you don’t hear the whole statement that is being conveyed, you could miss other clues to the meaning.

We, being human beings, often jump to conclusions when we are in a conversation. We are not good at listening. This can lead to hastily made opinions. And that does not facilitate good communication.  Just because a person has to pause, doesn’t mean there is a reason to question the motive.

Now we are getting to the reason I am writing this.  There are some obvious deductions one might be inclined to believe, such as, the person is afraid to say the wrong thing.  Or maybe one could just be struggling to find the right words to convey the intention of the remark. These days, as I am losing my short-term memory, I can easily stop in the middle of a sentence simply because I forgot what I was talking about.  These are only three possibilities for a pregnant pause.

Another possibility is when someone pauses because he was just about to spoil a surprise and caught himself just in time.  Or a person could realize that what she was about to say was purely gossip, and thinking better of it, stopped herself, not wanting to pass it on.  And, particularly when a person is really kind and thoughtful, the words must be chosen so carefully that a pause is warranted.

Regardless of the reason why a pregnant pause is utilized, I tend to believe that most of the time it is not meant to be perceived negatively.  Far too often, we can question the motives of other people. This is especially true when people feel uncertain of themselves or feel that they are being judged.  In my humble opinion, most of the time we should give other people the benefit of the doubt. That is the way I want to be treated and I suspect that, more often than not, other people do as well.

If you have ever had an dog for a pet, I think that you will agree that they have an ability to make us nicer people.  This is because they give us unconditional love which has the power to change our behavior for the better. The word humane is about showing compassion or benevolence.  We all benefit when we think humanely. Our dogs can show us how to do this.

An example of our pets and their ability to be sympathetic toward us is when we are ill.  My dogs never leave my side when I am sick. When a close relative of mine, who had diabetes, went into a diabetic coma, she was dog-sitting.  Since she lived alone and had seen no one for a couple of days when this happened, she died. The dogs she was sitting for, stayed right by her side.  When the woman came to pick up her dogs, that is how she found them. At least she wasn’t alone. The dogs knew instinctively that it was important to be with her.

Our canine companions can make us laugh.  Laughter can be an antidote for pain and sadness.  No matter what happens, a bit of levity can help the situation most of the time.  Dogs just bring joy into our lives.

Dogs can be taught to do many beneficial things for people.  Working dogs do much more than herding sheep. They can be taught to do many jobs that help people. They are even trained to help people with disabilities and illnesses so that these individuals can live independently. Police dogs are there for their partners and form unbreakable bonds with them. There are many ways that dogs enrich people’s lives.

Of course, not all dogs are like this.  Dogs can also be taught or even bred to be mean.  Or if they are ill, afraid, possessive, protective, frustrated or threatened by another dog or a person  they can display threatening behavior. While temperments of dogs can differ, most dogs are not like that.  Always be aware and ask the owner before approaching or petting a dog.

Now my experience is limited.  I find a lot of my information through research and the people around me, friends and family.  However, I can tell you this. My dogs have made me a better person. They love me and I love them.  I think that they have made me more caring. They have made me more humane.