Death, taxes, and laundry come for us all. Rather than spending our lives anxious and afraid to what might happen, perhaps consider just not worrying about it. If you live your life afraid of what might happen, then you will miss out on amazing and wonderful experiences, making meaningful connections with other and living a fulfilling life.
Sometimes it’s the little things in life. A good meal shared with loved ones, a familiar, comfortable, even quirky place to meet up at or return to can help make life a bit fuller and more joyful.
Don’t worry, Mondays aren’t so bad. After a relaxing weekend getting back to the grind can be tough, but the sooner you hit that weekly to-do list the sooner the next weekend will come. For today’s goat, The Haven Zoo sent over a little video of Angela voicing her opinions and grumpy mood.
Goats are social animals, much like humans, and enjoy being around the company of others. Although sometimes solitude is nice and can be healing, other times it is good to reach out and find someone to hang out with. I hope if you are reading this that you had a marvelous weekend and a wonderful week ahead. 
Today is the first new moon of the decade. A new moon is kind of an opposite of a full moon, so sometimes it may appear as though there is no moon on the evening of a new moon. It is considered the first lunar phase, and is the point in which the moon and the sun are closest in ecliptic longitude, but not so close that it causes a solar eclipse. In astrology, which of course is not scientific but can be fun anyways, this new moon rises in the sign of Aquarius – a zodiac sign and constellation that represents (amongst other things) rebellion. New moons typically represent fresh starts, and due to the unique position astrologically of this new moon maybe it will inspire you to unleash your inner rebel and take up an awesome cause. As we can all see from the headlines, perhaps the world is in need of some collective, rebellious and revolutionary energy.
Have you noticed that you might be feeling a bit down this week? Well, don’t worry, that’s actually totally normal due to the lack of sunlight due to shorter days, longer nights and generally grey weather that blocks out the sun. Although “Blue Monday” was a clever marketing scheme, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real condition that effects many people during this time of year. It’s ok to feel lethargic and irritable – your body just might be craving more serotonin that your brain isn’t producing as much due to the lack of sun. If you do feel down, and notice that you typically feel down this time of year, take comfort in the fact you are not alone. Mental health professionals can help you cope with the winter through light therapy, talk therapy and other treatments. I find it helps to stay productive and try to get some movement in everyday.
I am really happy and excited to share some wonderful news! Our friends at The Haven Zoo have completed construction of the new goat barn! The herd is now safe and sound and happy to be living in their lovely new abode. Another huge thank you to anyone who donated or sponsored a member of the Haven’s menagerie.
Practice compassion – real, radical compassion every day at every opportunity. It will feed your soul and make the world around you a better place.
True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
You never know what is around the corner. Will tomorrow be just another Monday or the start of something wonderful?
I would like to extend a huge thank you to JohnieSue, the owner and head of The Haven Zoo for letting me participate in her latest fundraiser to build a new goat barn. I especially appreciate her sending me photographs of our pals there, like Jim peeking out from behind a tree.
I am very happy to report that The Haven Zoo has raised half the money to replace the shelter for the goats and llamas, including a number of generous sponsorships. A massive thank you and well-done if you have donated or sponsored an animal. If you have yet to make a donation to help, don’t worry, there is still time! With the generous funds, The Haven has purchased recycled tin for the roof of the new shelter.
Have you ever noticed those who have that certain swagger? Individuals who are so confident, they seem to glide through life? Check out Freddie and Hutton, two fantastic llamas from the Haven Zoo. Confidence is key, Hutton has classic symmetrical banana-shaped llama ears while Freddie, well who could say no to that grin? Embrace who you are and own it, live your truth and take on the world.
Goat of the Day 