Finding–And Giving–Love in Unexpected Places

Each time I head home to see my family, I can’t wait to see Mishi, our family dog, who always expresses unbridled joy when she sees me. The affection I get from this sweet princess is a feeling I didn't understand before meeting her. The way Mishi gives love while understanding and responding to our energy has been incredible to experience.

This is a love I didn't realize I needed. Over the past several years, my family has been through quite a bit, and Mishi’s presence has helped us get through these difficult times. Before this, we always had cats, and we still do. But the bond we’ve built with Mishi is on another level. The way she shows her affection for us has a purity. There’s no questioning or doubting her feelings. Her love brings us together, and her silly, playful nature is a distraction from the horrors of the world. My Instagram feed is evidence of this!

The love we all need

You may not be a pet person, but you still need "Mishi moments" in your life. Regardless of the origin, being cared for is powerful. Unadulterated, unconditional love can light you up and give you hope, inspiring and motivating you to pursue that feeling again. What’s more, you can provide this for others.

Relationships with family, friends, partners, neighbors, pets, and even coworkers can offer fulfillment. Usually, there’s not just one person in this role. Rather, it’s a combination of relationships that allows you to sense and express affection in your own unique way.

Where you find love will change throughout your life. As your lifestyle, needs, and preferences change, so too will who, what, and why you care for someone. It comes in different forms and evolves with you, depending on what you need when.

Love doesn’t have to be luxurious

Thoughts of love often accompany grandiose gestures and material gifts, something you can get too caught up in. When I look back over my life, what I’ve cared about most wasn’t bought in a store. In my family, we rarely end a conversation without saying “I love you.” This wasn’t always the case, but the recent loss of my father and the illness of my mother have changed how we interact. This is a genuine expression of our feelings, not a performative ritual—a reminder of how much we value each other. 

As I reflect on this, I can’t help but think of another, sadder change to my perspective that profoundly impacted me. A few years ago, my best friend and neighbor unexpectedly passed away. He commuted to New York every Monday and would always stop in to say goodbye before he left. After his death, this ritual became a memorable part of my past. To this day, Mondays still sting more than I’d like.

I feel his absence deeply and have come to realize that those visits were an expression of the love we shared as each other's chosen family. As informal as those morning goodbyes were, they’re a fond memory of the depth of our friendship and a reminder not to take any moment for granted.

I never would have guessed a puppy would become such an important part of my life, but I genuinely believe love shows up when you least expect it and in ways you never imagine.