Dogs

Watchdogs, guide dogs, guard dogs.

Isn’t it something how we humans can compare ourselves to other parts of nature?

With the above 3 types of trained dogs, how might we compare ourselves?

Really, there are times we are each one of them. Each has its purpose, but each can be taken to its extreme…just like us. Our strengths can be our weaknesses. Our weaknesses can become our strengths. It’s all in how we use them and how we control ourselves.

My watchdog tendency to warn and alert others of danger could easily turn into a suspicious, critical way of life…always seeing the worst, feeling the need to comment on anything and everything.

My guide dog tendency to help others find the right path and do what’s best could become a controlling thing…always attempting to help or overhelp others…never backing off allowing them to find their own path.

My guard dog tendency to protect what I feel is right and correct could turn into excess rules and laws to preserve what I think is best…not letting others off the leash, always monitoring them, their behavior, actions, purchases etc.

Looking at all the cons of the above type dogs seem to boil down to control -to control others.

Looking at the pros of the above dogs we can see protection, guidance and preservation. These are things we humans need from each other.

I guess we each need to keep these ‘dogs’ in our lives on our own leash, so we don’t get out of hand barking and biting others.

We don’t have to stay in the kennel all our life; we can train ourselves to go out, be free and help people.

They say dogs are a man’s best friend. Let’s be that kind of friend.

Your Opinion Matters

That’s just your opinion!

Don’t let others invalidate your opinion because it doesn’t line up with theirs. You are entitled to it!

The object of the game is not to have the ‘best’ opinion or have it be agreed upon by the most people. Your opinion is for you…to help you see who you are…your likes and desires…preferences, and to be free to change it at any given time!

What you like (your opinions) are what make up you.

I like blue, I like asparagus, I like spring best, I like a brick house, I like to read non-fiction, I like to swim and ride my bike. Maybe you don’t like these things and that’s perfectly OK.

I’m going to stretch, develop and see what I’m about and be strong in my personal opinions, having the courage to express them.

Differences of opinion aren’t a threat to well-being; instead, they make life more full and interesting.

Next time you get to visit with someone, ask what they think about a certain topic and then really listen. They might ask your opinion. You could learn something new and maybe make a new friend.