I just typed that as a title because I didn’t have a topic for a new post and didn’t think. That’s what popped out. (One of my mantras when I teach is to get out of your own way.) So what do I believe?

That my dog Nelson is divine – in the true sense of the word. As in all animals are (dictionary definition of divine:) “of or relating to a god or Supreme Being.” I do believe this. Animals – and nature – are about as close as we can get to God.

That writing can save your life. It can certainly give it meaning, or be therapy, and/or make you a much more astute, observant and honest person. And there’s no other profession/activity that can cause you to say when the truly awful stuff in your life happens: this is all material! For my memoir/novel/ essay! Or – this shit is a poem!

That reading can be the greatest solace in the world. As C.S. Lewis said, “We read to know we’re not alone.”

That change is the only constant in this world.

That you have to get up and move every morning. Do yoga, exercise, walk/run, stretch, whatever you can do, but get in motion, get outside and look up at the sky.

That if you have a roof over your head, food on the table, friends and family to love,and work you want to do, you’re damn lucky.