I know it has been an age since you posted this, but I wanted to tell you that I was hugely affected by it this morning. It's one of those funny things where you don't know why or how but you read the exact thing at the exact time you need it. In a dark, quiet moment last night I realized that somewhere along the line I unplugged. Tracing it back, I come up with all sorts of reasons, but none of them matter: I withdrew. But reading this this morning finally brought the tears. I am the same. Bright, shining, engaging to start, I turn into a snail and retreat to my shell if anyone tries to get in past the veneer.

Somehow I have to sit with this. I'd love to read a follow up post about your journey through the question. Have you been able to lower the drawbridge?

love and gratitude. x

My relationship with life? I wake up each day and try to be the person my dog thinks I am.

Although our Westie is a 7 year old retired canine prostitute--puppy mill survivor--which after a year still crawls to us in fear. So she probably just hopes today won't be the day instead of loving her with all my heart I beat her. Although she's getting better, last week we actually saw her out the window playing with a ball in the back yard!! Totally crazy for her... although when we roll it to her she acts like she's never seen it before in her life. Just puts her ears down and cowers.

Just shows what years of neglect can cause. After an entire year of nothing but total love and kindness, she still has problems trusting us most of the time. She is making progress though.

Wow, I really digress... sorry.