Humans are Animals

I grew up in a small town in Washington state on a dairy farm. In my opinion, it was the perfect life for me. Oh, don’t get me wrong; we had struggles, disappointments, and learning opportunities just like every other family I know. However, I loved it. It has had a very large impact on my life and who I am.

I love animals and I was riding horses before I could walk. My mom would put me in the saddle in front of her and we would go for hours. As I grew, I continued the tradition. I rode my horse in all kinds of weather as much as I could.

I had learning challenges at school and because of them I was teased quite a bit. I often found solace in being around animals and spent a great deal of time with them. We had cows, chickens, cats, dogs, horses, and even a couple of geese.

I would feed and take care of them. Cry when they died and be happy when new ones were born. I loved being on the farm and around animals.

A few years ago, I remember sitting around the dinner table talking as we often do as a family. I was telling farm stories and mentioned I loved animals.

My son, Max, said; “We are part of the animal kingdom.”

“No, we’re not.” I said. Which is crazy because I know we are. I use to teach biology and knew all about the classifications. So, why was I disagreeing with him?

Later on I spent some time thinking about. Why didn’t I want to admit humans were part of the animal kingdom? The answer that flashed in my mind I quickly discarded. That can’t be I said to myself. But the more I thought about it the more I realized it was true.

I didn’t want humans to taint my love for animals. You see, up until that day, I thought humans were mean just because they could be. However, as I thought and contemplated it I came up with a hypothesis.

I know that animals love with all their hearts. Even large brutish animals can be gentle and kind. I also know you can teach an animal to be mean and violent no matter their size. It is a trained response.

My hypothesis: if animals could hurt me when they were scared, frightened, or in pain; could humans? Is that why people could be so mean and cruel; because, they were in pain or frightened?

I started testing and exploring my hypothesis. I finally understood. Hurt people hurt people. That is what chapters 4-6 in my book Bully Proofing You: Improving Confidence and Personal Value from the Inside Out are all about. They are all about why people bully.

The next time someone says something hurtful to you. Remember, hurt people hurt people. Maybe they need a hug or compassion. It is not about you. It’s all about them.

I can now say that I love people. I love all people. I get excited to meet them and interact with them.

Thank you for being one of the people in my life.

Thank you for blessing it the way you do.

Thank you for being my friend.

Thank you for being you. You make a great you. In fact, the best you ever.

Go share your blessings with others today even if they are a little crunchy.

May God bless you as He has me.

Your friend,