Everybody Needs a Lucy
2020 has been a heavy year for most of us. Let me tell you a sweet story about Lucy, as I think it will give you a lift.
Last winter our neighbors got a new black Labrador puppy named Lucy—my husband and I have come to know and love her.
Lucy loves to chew. She tackled the black flexible drain extensions that stretched onto the lawn like they were monsters that she must conquer. Since they are stretchy, she would pull and they would pull back. She would pull so hard that they became disconnected from the house, even after her patient owner had nailed them to the downspouts. She would grab them and throw her head back and forth to subdue these undulating monsters. For a rest, she would sit down and busily chew and eat the black plastic. She also chewed on her toys in the house until they fell apart. Like the time she tore apart her special soft rabbit. Its fluffy white inners ended up strewn over every inch of the neighbor’s deep red living room carpet. All this was greatly entertaining, particularly because it was happening next door.
But, the thing we love most about Lucy is what we call “Lucy love.” When she sees us during her walks while she is leashed, her whole body changes. She holds her head up, her body tightens, and her nose quivers. She stares at us intently, trying to figure out how to come closer to us.
The most dramatic loving happens in the back yard over the chain-link fence that separates our two yards. She has come to expect some attention from us when she is in her back yard. I watch her from my kitchen window. When she is let out into the yard, she dashes to the fence, sits, and gazes expectantly into our back yard. If my husband or I do not appear, she barks. Invariably, one or both of us will quickly run outside for our dose of “Lucy love.”
As we approach, she barks more, jumps around, and opens her mouth in a big smile, tongue hanging loosely. Incredulously, she stands by the fence on her two hind feet and performs high jumps that levitate her vertical body nearly a foot off the ground. Repeatedly. When we reach her, she puts her front paws on the top of the fence and reaches her head to cuddle, nuzzle, lick and kiss us. She is so irresistible that I have to bend down so my head is at her head level. I wrap my arms around her neck to scratch and rub her neck and lay my cheek against her soft ears and head. She responds by pushing her head into my face and against my arms, snuggling even tighter. It is a love fest. This is “Lucy love.”
This experience is delightful. It is fun, heartwarming, and entertaining. Who wouldn’t want some unconditional love that convinces you that YOU are the most lovable person out there? And, who wouldn’t want to make another living creature deliriously happy?
The cool thing is that this type of experience is also healthy. Having (or sharing) a pet is one of many ways we can build resilience, which will help us deal with stress. But there are many other ways to enjoy Lucy moments and build resilience in your life, such as:
listening to or performing music
dancing
creating anything—like art, writing, making crafts, or cooking
savoring a special book or movie that never fails to lift your spirit
gardening, enjoying flowers—I’m really enjoying the autumn crocuses in the lawn.
spending time in nature, like walking or fishing
playing with children
journalling
SUGGESTIONS:
Do you have “Lucy” moments in your day? If not, can you think of a way to add something new—maybe from the list? Find a boost of joy or contentment that will help you deal with these trying times—and don’t forget to express gratitude for these moments.
If you want to learn more about resilience and how it help you deal with stress, see what the American Psychological Society has to say.
I pray you find many Lucy moments every day of your life. You can lighten the load for others by sharing your experiences in the Comment section below.
Yes, in joy you shall go forth,
in peace you shall be brought home;
Mountains and hills shall break out in song before you,
all trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:1
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Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, and programs at her church. She is the author of the award-winning book and Amazon best-seller Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021). You can read her full bio here.
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