Love, actually, IS all around
Gratitude for those who care
Hi, Friends,
Late Friday night, sitting on the floor of my bedroom and stroking my trembling dog, with Solfeggio healing frequencies playing softly in the background, I was struck by how similar dogs are to humans: they respond to touch, sound, energy, and love.
In the last forty-four days, my lifeโs turned upside down with my dogโs diagnosis of lymphoma. Weโre just two chemo treatments in, and the road ahead is uncertain. Toby has lost 12 kilos, two of which were in the last four days. His muscle tone is deteriorating as a result of the steroids heโs on. And he no longer eats with vigor, which is a big change for a Labrador.
As one might expect, his illness has disrupted my daily routines, sleep, and self-care. This is why I am incredibly grateful for the love and care being extended to me, too. A friend stopped by with a warm meal. Others cooked for us at their homes, offering nourishment beyond food. Another offered a ride when I was too tired to drive. A text, a call, a quiet moment of support on the street. And our wonderful pet sitterโnow like part of our familyโwho has made this difficult time a little lighter. These acts remind me that love is all aroundโeven in the small, unspoken gestures that can so easily be overlooked in the rush of life.
Itโs humbling to receive such generosity. It reminds me that love and care are not one-way streets. Thereโs a rhythm to them, a quiet reciprocity. While I care for Toby, others care for me.
Weโre all navigating somethingโwhether caring for a sick pet, managing a challenge at work, or simply finding time to catch our breath during this hectic time of year. But in the midst of it all, thereโs this beautiful exchange happening: the giving and receiving of care and love. Have you noticed it?
So this week, Iโm holding two intentions close: to notice the love surrounding meโto pause and truly let it landโand to share that love in whatever ways I can.
Because even in the busiest, most uncertain times, love really IS all around us. And the more attention we give it, the more it grows.
This week, where are you noticing love in your life? And how might you pass it alongโto a friend, a stranger, or even yourself?
To those of you who have texted, called, dropped by, cooked, listened, or simply been thereโyou have my deepest gratitude. Thank you for being part of Tobyโs care, and mine.
Iโm Janine Mathรณ, and Iโm writing Live Your Opus, a book for ambitious people who crave deeper meaning, fulfillment, and direction but sometimes struggle to break through (forthcoming 2025). As always, thanks for being here. If this resonates, please share this letter with others who might benefit. Thank you!
Until next time, be well,
I publish on Substack twice weekly, on Mondays & Thursdays, and LinkedIn on Thursdays. The format of this letter is evolving as I write my book, so I look forward to your comments and input. Subscribe and join 600+ people reading my letters. You can learn more about me and my work here.
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๐ Join the waitlist for the second cohort of Project Opusโan invitation-only program for entrepreneurially-minded women.