We desire change. We pray for change. We inquire with others about impending change. We want to see into the future so we know for sure, there will be change.

However, we usually want it to go a particular way. Yet when it comes...

When it begins to show up, talk with us, reveal to us, poke us, implore us to change, what is our response? I know for me, although I actually have a need to experience continued "growth", I first put on the brakes. I dig in my heels. I clench my tummy. I hold onto the present with both hands. I find reasons to negotiate with change. I ask many questions to maker sure it is in line with my integrity. I take a out a microscope and focus and refocus to make sure I am seeing as much as possible. I ruminate about it. I talk with others about it. All in an effort to stave it off!

As if I have any control. :0

Change stands stock still in front of me. Change continues poking around and moving things, people, ideas, and opportunities. Change packs up the boxes of my life. Change keeps moving forward no matter my fear, sadness, anxiety, excitement, or curiosity.

In the end, all I can do is say "yes." There is no other response. The quicker I can actually BE a yes, the less pain involved. The less deterioration I have to sit in. The less suffocated I will feel as the oxygen of what was, is no longer. It has moved on. It is breathing life into Change.

I’ve learned so much about rabbits in my nearly four years as a volunteer for the Long Island Rabbit Rescue… but I’ve learned even more about people.

I’ve observed volunteers of all ages and walks of life care for rabbits that we’ve saved from brutal neglect situations with inspiring love, yet neglect their own selves—“burning out” from taking on too much or simply not feeding and caring for themselves the way they do our foster and sanctuary rabbits.  These women and men would never let a rabbit go hungry or feed a rabbit a less than balanced, nutritious diet, but they don’t take the time to nurture themselves.  They make sure every foster and sanctuary rabbit gets daily exercise time to run, hop and play—but they don’t seem to prioritize themselves.  As dedicated volunteers, we recognize how much these gentle creatures need us.  If only we remembered that we are gentle creatures too.  Sometimes we need a little treat or a softer rug to rest our paws too.  For my fellow volunteers, I wish you would “cover a shift” in caring for yourself.  I am so blessed to work with each of you.  Please take care of you, too.

That said, I’ve learned so much in these four years of giving to the abandoned and neglected rabbits of Long Island.  From these fragile creatures, I’ve learned that I need space, too.  Sometimes there’s nothing more blissful than tossing the task at hand to this side (for me, returning some emails, for the bunnies, a woven grass toy or cardboard tube) and flopping out for a nap.

Read more of Denise Bee's blogs at Believe in Bunnies