I am definitely a dog person. No matter what my day it is made better with my dogs. If I am having a horrible day they know. That’s when they nuzzle and look up at me like, “Your day may be bad but you’re awesome.” You just can’t beat that.
When my day is great – they make it better. I think they know that too. It is almost like they are saying, “Congratulations! I think we should play to celebrate!”
I am also a big believer in gratitude. Every day I give thanks for all that has come into my life, is in now and yet to come. I also believe in kindness and positive behavior.
Have you ever told your dog or any dog that they are pretty? If you are a dog person you know exactly what I am talking about. They can be across the room and you tell them “you are a pretty boy” and what happens? They wag their tail. They know. They can sense your kindness and tenderness. They accept it and it makes you feel good.
What I find amazing is people, even non dog people, are more willing and free to tell a dog that they are pretty before they would even consider giving themselves a compliment or nice word.
We do not praise or recognize ourselves enough. When was the last time you accomplished something and told yourself, “Self, you did good.”? If you had to ask what year it was that is a bad sign.
Not only do we not tell ourselves that we did good, we also really, really stink at taking compliments.
Dogs aren’t like that. When you tell them they are pretty they don’t turn around, put a paw over their snout and say, “oh no, I look like hell today and I know this collar makes me look fat.” They just don’t do that. They wag their tail in saying, “thank you.” Simple. The end. Period.
Try living a bit like your dog today. Give kindness just because you are there and accept compliments with a simple thank you. We all deserve a little tenderness.
Lisa K. McDonald, CPRW
As I wrote this I had the song from the title running through my head. It is from one of my favorite movies of all time – bonus – can you name the artist and movie? Double bonus – do you remember the scene?