If My Dachshunds Can Rock Bow Ties, I Can Probably Show My Face Online
Finding the courage to create, one bow tie at a time. A humorous reflection on rebuilding your life, stepping out in faith, and launching your first video at 40 — featuring two dachshunds who clearly have it all together in their cute bow ties.
PETS & DOXIE LIFEAUTHOR JOURNEYLIFESTYLE & PERSONAL GROWTH
10/13/20253 min read
The Bow Ties and the Big Plans
My two dachshunds strutted into the living room this week wearing their cute bow ties — tails wagging, heads high, looking like they had their lives perfectly together.
Meanwhile, I was sitting on the couch in my “motivational” sweatshirt (the one that says Today Is the Day), wondering if today was actually the day I’d finally start posting consistently.
Spoiler: it was not.
At least, not right away.
Rebuilding Your Life… in Your Spare Time
Let’s be honest — rebuilding your life is a full-time job, but unfortunately, it’s one you often have to do in your spare time.
Between work, family, grief, healing, and trying to remember if I even switched the laundry to the dryer, finding motivation to write, post, and create is a bit like finding my favorite pen — I know it exists, I just can’t remember where I last saw it. Moreover, it's learning the "proper" way or finesse to get yourself discovered.
But here’s the beautiful (and slightly infuriating) truth: God doesn’t ask for perfection — He asks for participation.
And I’m learning that obedience can happen right in the middle of the chaos, even if I have to step over dog clothes and cat toys to get there.
Faith, Fear, and the Front-Facing Camera
I can write all day long about hope, healing, and faith — but point a camera at me and suddenly I forget how to blink or talk.
It’s a strange kind of courage, this “being seen” thing. You pray for boldness, and God says, “Okay, here’s a ring light.”
I can almost hear Him chuckling as I nervously set up my phone tripod.
Somewhere deep down, I know this next chapter is as much about obedience as it is about creativity. God has been whispering, “Use your voice.”
And I’ve been whispering back, “Can I just write it instead?”
But faith doesn’t always come with a comfort zone. Sometimes it comes with a push — and a selfie stick. Frankly, let's be completely honest. I have absolutely no clue what the heck I am doing.
Lessons from Two Dachshunds in Bow Ties
When I put those little bow ties on my dogs, they didn’t question whether they looked ridiculous. They didn’t check the mirror, worry about the lighting, or ask if they had spinach in their teeth. They just strutted around like they owned the place. Seriously, JJ always walks with pep in his step.
And I thought: that’s faith. That’s confidence. That’s joyful obedience.
If my dachshunds can walk boldly into a room dressed for success, maybe I can walk boldly into this next season — trusting that God will meet me there, even if I trip over a squeaky toy on the way.
Motivation, Messy Hair, and a Little Bit of Grace
Motivation is fickle. It disappears the moment I open Instagram and see someone posting their fourth video of the week while I’m still debating fonts for mine. It seems I have all the excuses in the world to continue to put this off.
But momentum — that’s what matters. The kind that builds when you stop waiting to feel ready and start showing up anyway.
Because sometimes faith looks like saying,
“Okay, Lord, I’ll go live,” even when you’d rather crawl under a blanket and binge-watch other people’s productivity.
Turning 40 and Turning the Camera On
Here’s the big news: to celebrate my 40th birthday, I’m launching my first-ever video post!
Yes — after all this talking (and praying and procrastinating), I’m finally doing it. The ring light is dusted off, I have found the microphone, the nerves are real, and the dachshunds are, of course, camera-ready in their bow ties.
This milestone isn’t just about age — it’s about new beginnings.
It’s about rebuilding with faith, laughter, and the courage to be seen — wrinkles, dog hair, and all.
I may not have it all together, but neither do my dogs, and they still look fabulous.
A Note to My Fellow Late Bloomers and Brave Souls
If you’ve been waiting for the “right” moment to start something new — this is your sign.
If God can use two bow-tied dachshunds to remind me of courage, He can use anything to nudge you forward too.
So here’s to imperfect beginnings, shaky first videos, birthday milestones, and dogs with more confidence than most of us.
Because faith isn’t about knowing exactly what to do — it’s about showing up, bow tie and all, trusting that God will handle the rest. 🐾💛




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