Reflecting on My Journey with Rose: A Dream That Changed My Life

Today, Rose turns 3 years old, and I can’t help but reflect on how much she has changed my life. During a particularly hard time, I decided to follow the inner voice I had pushed down for so long—the dream of getting a dog. When I found her, I made the decision to go after it. Rose became my first dog, and while the beginning wasn’t easy, we grew into a team, building a new rhythm together.

(Ok, if you know me, you’ll know my routines change quickly!) But Rose has become used to jumping into the car and letting the journey unfold—no matter where it takes us.

Lessons from Rose

What I learned most from Rose is the importance of staying in the moment. Normally, I would already be thinking ahead to the next action item, the next appointment, or the next goal. But Rose taught me to slow down and see the beauty in the present.

At first, when we went for walks, I would fill the time with podcasts, work calls, or tasks—trying to make the walks “productive.” But this year, something shifted. I began to simply be during our time outside: breathing, watching her joyfully sniff around, proudly breaking every stick she finds into smaller pieces, or running like crazy in the forest, on the beach, or through the snow.

Her happiness in these small moments is contagious—the way she loves the feeling of the ground, the sand, or the snow beneath her paws. Now, on the beach, we both run around like two kids, chasing the waves and feeling the joy of being free.

Our Daily Rituals

Rose and I even have our little routines. In the mornings, we do yoga together (we call it our stretchies), and in the evenings, after a day of skiing or hiking, I stretch my legs on the floor while she lies in my lap, happily receiving a well-deserved massage. It’s these simple moments—her calmness, her joy, her loyalty—that have brought so much meaning to my days.

Being Present

It might sound cheesy, but being there for Rose has shown me what it truly means to enjoy the moment. So often, we focus on helping others or achieving the next milestone that we forget to just pause and take it all in.

I hope you’ve found ways to be present in your life. If not, maybe over the holidays, you can go for a walk—just for you. Look around: What can you see? What can you smell? What can you hear? It’s amazing what we notice when we slow down and take the time.

As for us, we’ll be walking through the snow a lot at the end of this year—calm, quiet days to recharge my batteries and enjoy time with this crazy, joyful girl.

Today, Rose is 3 years old, and she continues to bring so much happiness to my life. I am so grateful I followed my dream to get her.

Happy Birthday, Rose! 🐾

How do you create moments to slow down and be present? I’d love to hear what brings joy to your day!

Find Your Wave,

Sarah 🌊