A Matter of Perspective

I like my “wiener” a lot more now

Yes, I know how that sounds, but let me explain.

Over the course of the past couple of months, I have been taking a lot of self-development type classes.

The first one was on gratitude. My cousin Elaine, who is a health and wellness coach through the Mayo Clinic, taught this class which spanned several weeks and was a lesson in being more grateful.

The second class was called Infinite Possibilities and was a course in learning that we can have the things we want in our lives.

Both courses were a lesson in “rewiring” our brains. When you begin to think differently, you quite literally “change your mind.”

My mind was mostly negative. These courses have taught me to think more positively.

So, how does this relate to liking my “wiener” a lot more now?

As some of you may know, I have a Dachshund dog. This kind of dog is sometimes known as a “wiener dog.”

Well, when we first got our dog, I didn’t want him. I was enjoying life without a dog and the freedom that being dog-less affords a person. I did not want a dog to tie me down.

My attitude about Jax—our dog—was horrible. I called him names. I ignored him. I didn’t treat him with love and kindness, just a kind of cold disregard.

I called him a “turd” and that is exactly how he acted.

This went on for months. And then I took these two courses.

I started to think differently about Jax. I started to tell him he was a “good boy.” I stopped calling him bad names and gave him praise when he did things right.

“Miraculously” he stopped peeing and pooping all over the house. He started to come up to me and give me undeserved affection. I was starting to become the person that my dog thought I was!

As my heart softened and my mind changed, it totally made a radical change.

Jax is still the same dog, but my attitude about him changed and that has made all the difference in the world. Now, I like my “wiener” a lot more!

What things can you start to change your mind about? Do you have a toxic relationship in your life? Something that you would like to make better? Start by thinking differently about it...you might be extremely surprised!