hearts larger than hands

Hearts Larger Than Hands: Find Your Balance in Life to Save More Animals – Linda Harper & Faith Maloney

No More Homeless Pets National Conference October 21-23, 2011 1

CREATING BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE TO SAVE MORE ANIMALS

HEARTS LARGER THAN HANDS



CREATING BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE TO SAVE MORE ANIMALS

HEARTS LARGER THAN HANDS

The Animal Rescuer’s Personality our own drives us

dealism •  Our vision to save ALL animals and the passion

to make it happen

ealism •  your “hands-on” experience with animals and the

overwhelming facts that you must face/front lines

ensitivity •  Intense feelings of love and concern, naturally

drawn to the animals with desire to save



A Rollercoaster of Emotional “Ups and Downs”

dealism •  Passion vs. disillusionment

ealism ! Success, adrenaline rush vs. sadness,anger and guilt

ensitivity ! intense feelings of love & fulfillment vs.

nightmares, sadness & inability to find happiness

Our IRS Wants to say YES! When we say “yes” in the moment

•  Our passion wins out over disillusionment (Idealism)

•  The desire to make a difference wins out over feeling guilty for not helping (Realism)

•  Feeling joy and peace of mind wins out over feeling sad and doubtful (Sensitivity)



Individual Signs of taking on Too much ! Emotional and physical well-being

deteriorates ! Personal and family life suffer ! We may decide to leave the field ! We turn off others to the idea ! Our animals feel our stress

Signs BODY MIND SOUL !"#$%&#%'%(#$)"#' !*&++,-'."%/%(01(*(2' 3"'14(&$5*('

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Organizational Signs of Taking on Too Much

•  In-fighting and excessive conflicts within

•  High turnover, missed work, poor teamwork, low morale, not enough help, no time to eat!

•  Visible stress on the animals –overcrowding, conditions

•  Little growth and development of the organization –always behind

•  Attracting less volunteers and help

Take the Self-Inventory

! Part I: Is your heart overflowing?

! Part II: Are your hands overloaded?



COPING STRATEGIES

1)   LOOK 2)   LIMIT 3)   LET GO 4) LIVE

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. ~Henry Miller

You are here.



You did not create the problem, but are willing to help.

Kindness to animals is a societal responsibility.

Educate and encourage those who are asking for your help to stretch.

Stay Connected to Those Who Make Up the Bigger Picture

! Share ideas and resources.

! Recruit help.

! Work together –support each other.

! Conferences, Internet communication and help, e-mail groups, social networking

We are all in this together:



! Look to the stories of animals that have been helped and the positive changes everywhere

! Make reminders of your own experiences that have made a difference

Keep encouraging stories and positive people close at hand!



! Recognize and accept your unique strengths, stressors, and needs.

! Then set limits –even when they do not feel natural to you.

! Loving animals is 24 -7 for the rest of your life; so you must pace yourself. SLOW DOWN!

•  Do we have the resources to handle all that is involved beyond that initial “yes” ?

•  Have a growing and updated referral list and related help



Accept the Feelings That Come Along With the Limits

Accept your feelings. They will include guilt, sadness, frustration and anger. It is not easy.

Accept the need to discipline yourself to say “no” and keep within your limits.

Help each other Maintain Limits ! Make objective

observations and express concern

! Say what you need –then let go of the idea of changing them

! Encourage/plan self-care time together

! Build in breaks and support

! Offer understanding while maintaining your limits

! Distance yourself if necessary



•  Of the “What ifs”

•  We do the best we can with what we knew at the time and what we could handle

•  Let the animal’s have their journey



! Let your journey unfold in its own way and time.

!  Accept where others are on their journeys. Strive to understand. Let go of the need to change them-you cannot and it is not your job.

!  Q-TIP

“Every man and woman who thinks simply and naturally cannot do otherwise than express love in ACTION – not only in behalf of human beings but also in behalf of all living things.”

~ Albert Schweitzer



“Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all

beings in the world.”

~Tao Te Ching

Make Space

! Leave some open time.

! Remove some of your own rules.

! Have non-animal time in your life.

! Sometimes “good enough” is enough.

! Put space between the demand (“attack”) and your response.



How to Make Space ! Sleep on it.

! Have a cup of tea or glass of water.

! Step away, go for a walk.

! Put the e-mail in “waiting to be sent” and then go back to it.

! Don’t check messages until you are ready.

! Just wait – let it be.

A Little Space Makes a BIG Difference

! Take an extra 2 minutes, sit down and eat your bagel

! Rest ! Laugh ! Be “thought” less. “Is this

thought really necessary right now?”

! Mind space gives creativity & problem-solving ideas a chance to flow



Gifts of Self-Care ! You are more enjoyable

to be around ! You will attract more

people & help ! Things will flow more

easily ! Positive energy matters ! You will live another day

to help the animals

When you are replenished, you are open to the gifts that come back to YOU!

Personal strength and growth Mystery and awe Life changes & lessons from the animals Lots of LOVE



Look, Limit, Let Go and Live by Felix the Cat

Felix accepted his new journey at age 20 He took care of himself Full body hugs & wet sneezes Peacemaker Welcomed clients in between naps and snacks Seniors rock!

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