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How to Live Life to the Fullest

A Pig Primer

By Judith Westerfield, JudithWesterfieldFibromyalgia.blogspot.com

Thirty-five years ago at a business lunch I defended the pig as being a very intelligent animal. I pointed out that pigs were one of the few animals that would drink alcohol willingly. You have to remember I was young and so was my view of intelligence.

My colleagues found it humorous. In the ensuing year I was inundated by pigs of all sizes, shapes and incarnations: Stuffed pigs, pig pens, pig posters, marizapan pigs, ceramic pigs, wooden pigs, pig calendars, pig stationery. Drowning in all things pig I vowed never again to defend a sow in public and at my next job I would make it a point to talk about expensive crystal or gemstones.

Thirty-five years later.

As my latest birthday approached I would officially be on Medicare. I was surprised how sad I felt about all that I had not accomplished in my time here on earth. I was surprised at the sense of regret about missed opportunities. I was surprised I was surprised. After all, I’m a psychotherapist. I’m trained to be very aware of feelings — my own, obviously an exception!

Then I received a birthday party invitation from a former colleague who’s the same age. She was one of my pig-present friends. I flashed back to that conversation thirty-five years ago and smiled at the innocence of my youth and the wisdom of the pig:

1. Eat greedily all the delectable things life gives you

2. Wallow in what’s soothing & cool

3. Snort at those who are not loving

4. Celebrate how delicious you are

5. Pray you will not be eaten before your time

I’ll drink to that! •

© 2010 Judith Westerfield. All rights reserved.

About the Author
Judith Westerfield's day joy is a psychotherapist, clinical hypnosis & guided imagery therapist. She facilitates live and Web video Therapeutic Creative Journaling workshops. JudithWesterfieldFibromyalgia.blogspot.com is for those with life altering conditions. Visit her other Web sites at CreativitytotheMax.com and JudithWesterfield.wordpress.com.

2/16/10