We Got A Puppy! How Getting A Dachshund Changed My Perspective of Comfort Zones.
- Aug 29, 2019
- 5 min read
At the beginning of the year we lost both our fur babies within a short time of one another. We were absolutely devestated.
About two months later my family suggested we start looking for a new furry friend. I wasn't convinced. I'd grown up with these pups and was heartbroken. I didn't want a new fuzz ball thrown into the mix. It would have been too much, too fast, I thought.
Boy was I wrong.
I knew my Brother really needed a new buddy so when a litter of mini dachshund puppies were announced on Facebook, I showed Mum and my Brother. Mum and I were both very against it. Me because I felt uncomfortable with the idea of another dog, her because there had recently been a lot of dachshund scammers. My Brother was in love. He thought they were the cutest pups ever born. But, Mum said no. So the answer was no. "Don't contact them and start something." she had said. So, as a way of being spontaneous and get out of my comfort zone, I messaged the seller. After some negotiations I took the idea to Mum and Dad.
She looked at me. He looked at me. "We can't not." said Dad. We all sat down as a family whilst Mum called and the next day we were in the car on a road trip to adopt our little man. We had spent the entire night before, brainstorming all the names we could call him.
When we picked little Basil up I was the happiest human alive. Funny how I didn't want another dog, isn't it? Now, he sleeps next to me, and if he doesn't, he comes straight into my room in the morning for some cuddles. We spend all day playing with each other and sitting side by side.
All in all, it was a great life lesson for me. A lesson that taught me, even though you've felt hurt and sad in the past, it's okay to move on. It's okay to feel uncomfortable with the idea, but give it a go. You never know what might come out of it. As they say, every cloud has its silver lining.
This doesn't just apply to adopting animals or moving on from a person. This applies to all aspects of life.
- Scared to travel by yourself? Just do it. If you end up not liking it, you don't have to do it again. At least you gave it a shot.
- Think it would be awkward if you went alone to the movies or cafe? Get out there. Don't wait on other people. Me time is the best time.
- Love your new outfit but scared to be judged? Think you'll feel uncomfortable because all eyes will be staring? Who cares? They're only staring because you look HOT, if they even are staring. Most times it's all in your head anyway!
The message is, have a go. Live your life. Don't let anything or anyone hold you back. Not a person, situation, and especially not yourself. Life is for living and you're going to regret it if you don't.
Getting a puppy also encouraged me to do things I’ve always wanted to do but “never had the time for.” Truth is, I have had the time for it, but have been too busy scrolling through my phone or watching Modern Family for the millionth time. The time I have had to myself, I have been wasting, and since getting Basil I have realised just how much. I know you’re probably thinking that watching TV or scrolling through Instagram is your well-deserved way of relaxing, and it can be, but there are more beneficial ways to relax.
Since Basil joined the family, I have spent more time laying in bed reading than out in the living room sitting on my phone. This way I’m expanding my vocabulary, widening my knowledge, having fun, keeping my mind active, and researching for my own writing, all while warm in bed snuggled up to the cutest dachshund ever.
I’ve also spent more time outdoors than ever before. At first it started with us being worried that the eagles would pick him up while they were hunting overhead, but since we learnt that that’s highly unlikely, I still go out and sit in the sun with him. I enjoy taking a hot chocolate out whilst leaving my phone inside and just siting in the sun, being present. An important part of this, I think, is leaving the phone inside. If I were to take it with me, I would get too distracted and would not be able to properly relax.
Whilst outside I get to practice new and old hobbies as well. Basil runs around doing his own thing like pestering the cat, so I get much needed me-time whilst I’m out there. Sometimes I just sit with a notebook and try to copy the bark markings of the trees, or the intricate flowers. I’m no good at drawing, mind you, but it’s finally allowing me some time to just sit down and practice. Some days Basil even helps with the herb garden. (This is a lie. He actually tears the spinach out of the ground.)
I’ve also explored my village a lot more as well. Whilst we have a large acreage for Basil to run around on, we like to socialise him with other dogs so take him out often. This has lead to me making friends from the morning walks and pushes me to actually walk through the sand, push myself to walk up and around the hills, and socialise with people. It also encourages me to get out and about whatever the weather, something I think is really important. You can't just look out the window on a Tuesday and think “oh no. It’s overcast and windy which means it’s going to be a bad day.” That’s not how it works, but is what I often did. The weather often hindered me from leaving the house. Not anymore.
As you can see, when Basil joined the family my life was completely turned around; for the better. I’ve never felt so disconnected from the online world because of him and I love it. I am loving being more present in my actual, real world life, and it’s all thanks to Basil, because if I’m on my phone he barks like a maniac because the attention isn’t on him. Such a little prince!
You can also make these small changes to be more present in your day to day life and to make time for the things you actually want to do. You know that if you got off your phone for even a quarter of the time you spend on it, you would probably have so much free time to relax and do what you actually want to do. Scrolling isn’t relaxing, your mind is still switched on, but in a negative way.
I hope this has persuaded you to put away your comfort blanket habits and actually experience life, not just watch it through a screen. Remember, being spontaneous and getting out of your comfort zone doesn’t have to be massive. It can be small changes.
If you have any suggestions on how I, or others, can get out of my comfort zone, then please, let me know in the comments! It can be crazy or calm- challenge me, and yourself! Also, if you feel like seeing more of Basil, you can follow his Instagram @basil_the_badger_hunter
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