Remember to keep your head up.

Morgan a trusted partnerThis morning my friend, Morgan, our 2 year old chocolate Lab, and I were out for our a pre-work run before coming beginning the adult day. Ever since the time change our morning runs have taken on a new dimension. You see, we go out at 5AM and “yes” it is very dark. Morgan has a glow collar and I have a headlamp, but to be honest one really doesn’t see where to plant the feet well. The route is flat and paved. We have been on the course so many times even the potholes are familiar. Our goal is not to set a record, but to clear, at least my mind, (I am not ever sure where hers’ is!) of some of the daily noise and clutter. Many of you may be able to relate that the volume of daily stress and noise can really ramp up as we stretch the envelop toward growth or just trying to maintain the daily grind.
Out the door we trundle, with the silence of the awakening world around us. Truthfully, I hadn’t slept well. Inventories, schedules and cash flow had awakened me in the night. The paper again filled with not much encouragement with a very hot strong cup of coffee served as a preamble to getting the head in the game. Morgan has canine neighbors, she is always hopeful one may be in their yards as we pass by. I always tell her at 5 AM they are most likely still chasing rabbits in their sleep! With a knowing look of anticipation, she is still hopeful maybe today a friend with be in the yard. No such luck today as we round the corner to complete a 3 mile loop. I can tell Morgan’s head is really in the game. She has a couple of traits when in the flow. I am not clear how she does it, but she’s able to run slanted on the curbing. Or she gets real focused on the white outer striping of the lane and buckles down for the outing. Today for what ever reason, she must have figured I needed some space. Up on the curbing she stayed allowing me the white line. Down the pavement we trod. The air, though cool, had a calming element to it. I am feeling strong and determined, head down (not a good position to be in if a car is coming at you). Morgan is not demanding a thing from my presence. We are cruising …. not thinking….not looking….not all present….then a tap of awareness enters my consciousness and I look up to view in the middle of the road a deer. (Now deer are not an uncommon animal for me to see as they like to eat the flowers in my yard much of the summer as a breakfast buffet). What made this occurence stand out was it made me raise my head, engage my brain and see. Deer travels in pairs, so I looked to see where the other one was. Sure enough just off the curb it stood calmly observing me. Now Morgan would have enjoyed nothing more than to race over the hill after them. On the contrary without a command she sat next to me and waited what the next move would be. ….very unlike her!
This moment in time was so meaningful and beautiful. Mother Nature’s quintessential example of animal partnership for me to view in the morning’s dawn. This moment in time said to me “stop and feel blessed, even though times may be challenging, the partnerships each of us are granted in life make the journey smoother and more rewarding.” Off the deer bound over the bluff. Morgan and I pick up our stride and headed back home to begin the day. She to a comfortable dog bed and a nap …. me checking off a mental list of the abundance of partnerships which bring my life pleasure and accomplishment. And you know, right at the top of that list is the team at Count Me In and the Make Mine a Million program offerring partnerships which now enrich not only mine, but my family’s life.
What about you? Are you keeping your head up and eyes open as you move through the day?My closing thought for you is, please do, we are all in this together as trusted partners in life. Enjoy.