If you can do something about it, why worry?

Dear animal loving friends, I see you. And I know you’re out there because I see your pets invading your zoom square during class and taking over your social media. I’m right there with you. If you know me, you know I love my dogs, and we spend a LOT of time together. If you ask me what I’ve been up to, I’m probably going to mention Ollie and Diggy, yep I’m one of those dog moms. And yep, I call myself a dog mom 🤷🏻‍♀️. 

A few weeks ago, our little Diggy suffered a tail injury. As a result, he went from being a happy, playful, curious, little love into a more reserved, quiet, observer. Of course that change made sense, but I worried if he would ever be the same as he was before the injury? The worry came from my fears that he wouldn’t trust me again, or play with Ollie, or lie in my lap and sleep, that he would have lingering pain, and be fearful. 

What could I do about it? 

I could give him space, tend to his wound, be gentle in my touch and voice, give lots of treats, speak encouragingly, take long walks, initiate play, and give him some time without his cone (oh the cone!). So I focused on these actions. And we started to see glimpses of our bouncy, happy pup. Zoomies after a long walk, rolling in the grass over the weekend and yesterday - a full on rambunctious play session with Ollie. He doesn’t seem to have lingering pain and certainly isn’t fearful. I feel both relieved and elated to see his personality coming back.

“If you can do something about a situation, why worry? 
And if you can’t do something about a situation, why worry?” ~Dalai Lama

Take these words in. 

Worry is present for a reason. Acknowledge the worry, and embrace the fear that accompanies it. Take action if you can, and if you can’t… surrender into the situation, and focus on something in your life you can do something about. 

When you’re feeling overwhelmed with worry, talk with a friend or someone you trust. Break it down into smaller pieces, decide what you can do next, and do it (this may mean doing nothing). Use your breath, move your body, cry if you need to. Then, put worry in the back seat, and take control of the wheel. 

You’ve got this.

Love, Jodh