More Wag, Less Bark
Good Monday Morning,
Like I’ve said in the past, I never know when or where the inspiration for this will come. This is one of those occasions – and, I hope you can relate to this.
I always pay attention to my driving and that sometimes includes reading bumper stickers – safely of course and without getting too close. This past week, I saw one for a dog kennel and it struck me both literally and figuratively, in the thought process that ensued.
The bumper sticker said, “Visit City Kennel – more wag, less bark”. I thought what an interesting way to convey the message that you really cared about dogs, and the manifestation of that care was in the manner in which the dog responded to that care – more wags. Happy dogs were the ones wagging their tails; unhappy the ones barking. Being dog owners and having used a kennel before, I could totally relate to that very simple statement, I know you can, too.
But, it got me thinking – what a great analogy about how we should live our lives “More Wag, Less Bark” and what were the indicators of being happy or unhappy. How did that outward appearance of something so simple for a dog tell a much deeper story of that dog’s state of mind and his approachability. Think about it, which dog are you more likely to approach – one that’s barking ferociously or one who’s wagging his tail wanting to meet and greet you with a big lick on the hand. I don’t know about you, but the latter always gets my attention. A wagging tail is the dog’s way of telling us his state of mind – he’s happy, wants to be petted, played with, engaged, etc.
I think people are a lot like this, too. Which person do you want to be around the person who’s always barking – complaining, not happy, mad, etc. OR the person that’s always glad to see you, happy, living in the moment and wanting to meet you and be a friend? It’s a pretty easy choice. It’s a basic fact of life that people choose and want to be around other people who are happy and who bring happiness to them. They tend to avoid people who have a bad attitude, are angry, or just plain not fun to be around. I know you can relate to and know both types. If you’re like me, you approach those who are generally happy people; you want to meet them and you want them as friends. We don’t want to be around people who have that aura of unfriendliness. Friendly people make us feel better and we tend to act like they do, too – Happy.
Also, think about the effect this has on you and your state of mind. When do you feel your best – when you’re being friendly or when you being a grouch. We act the way we feel and we feel the way we act – it’s a self fulfilling prophesy. These are pretty simple analogies; but, I think you understand the point here. People like people who are happy and you feel your best when you’re happy. AND, there are outward indications that tell others what mood you’re in. Like the dog, wagging his tail – we automatically know his state of mind. It’s the smile on your face, the laugh, the manner in which you carry yourself, head held high, etc. It’s your outstretched hand, the hello, the nod of your head. There are numerous ways that we tell others that we are friendly, approachable, and happy people and in that we invite others to associate with us, to engage, to be a friend.
I know you’ve heard this before; but, I thought this simple analogy and the direct relationship to it since we are pet owners was so simple, yet so telling. So, as you live this week – “Wag your tail” a little more and “Bark” a little less and I think you’ll see that others will approach you differently and more often – who knows you might even get a ‘treat’, if you’re really good.
God bless & have a great week.
