Dogs reflect our behavior. This is how I have come to realize that fear and anxiety or so much a part of our lives that we have gotten to a place where our dogs, who have always been happy-go-lucky-in-the-moment are suffering from anxiety as well.
While it kept me busy in the dog training world, it became a huge lesson in how to start recognizing anxiety in myself and what the reaction was that went along with it.
Change on Purpose
If you want your dog to stop with an anxiety lifestyle, then you must show a picture of exactly how to react. In other words you need to stop with your own anxiety lifestyle habits or your dog probably never will recover from it!
If you spend more of your time than you even realize reacting in ways that you’d rather not, it may be time to start replacing that feeling with thoughts that bring “Calm” and reactions that are much more fun filled.
Changing on purpose is a practiced type of thing. We must recognize first that we are in the moment of acting with anxiety cover-ups, and choose what it is we want to replace it with. I have found ways to choose those things that are fun, that are relaxing and that bring me peace of mind. It’s been a journey I wish that more people would take.
It is Ok to Give Yourself Your Own Gifts
We all have pretty awesome gifts. The problem is many tag “underneath it all” to that statement.
I find that reading things that come into my in box, like The Anxiety Busting Virtual Retreat help peel off those layers of stress and anxiety, of not having fun anymore and making choices we really don’t want to sign up for. The gifts we have been given to enjoy reveal themselves easily and effortlessly all of sudden.
It will be a wonderful gift for the dog in your life as well.
Go on, create your own paradise!
Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now! Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter. Retweets are cool too.
As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!
7 Comments on Choosing Your Gifts or Choosing Anxiety
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gina
December 9, 2011 at 6:23 pm (12 years ago)I so love this post! It’s so true too…….the animals that live with humans can pick up the energy of that human and like you said, if it’s anxiety, then your dog might start acting anxious too….part of me feels bad about that……that if they were just living with other dogs and in the wilderness, all would be fine…..but then again I couldn’t imagine life without my pups….I just wish they could live a little longer :)….just love them so much…..but I am grateful to have them as long as they are here.
Much love!
Michele
December 12, 2011 at 12:09 pm (12 years ago)So true! If we look to animals and small children they really teach us so much that we have lost. How to nurture ourselves, respect our own limitations-wonderful post thank you for the reminder!
Deb
December 12, 2011 at 3:28 pm (12 years ago)They sure do pick up on our energy and I also wish they lived longer for sure. Appreciate each and every moment with them.
Petrea
December 12, 2011 at 4:21 pm (12 years ago)Yes we get back what we give out really. The best way to help others (whether it be dogs or children or partners or friends) to be more calm, is to set the example with yourself first. I always say self-care IS caring for others.
Tanja
December 12, 2011 at 10:19 pm (12 years ago)When I was growing up, we had a gorgeous golden lab/ alsation cross, and she could always pick up on our moods.
I can totally imagine that being the case with other dogs as well!
Stella Seaspirit
December 12, 2011 at 11:30 pm (12 years ago)So often we get caught up in anxiety-breeding habits with the belief that we will stop when it’s enough but then we need to be clear about when is enough?!
Jo Macdonald
December 13, 2011 at 1:18 am (12 years ago)This is so true, my dog always knows the energy around him and acts accordngly. Great post. Jo ♥