Peek Through The Slats

July 31st, 2010

Peek through the slats Murphy and Ollie Lee LInenburg Peek Through The Slats

Sometimes it can feel like what we want is very far away.  Though we used to have a clear vision of our dream, now we can barely see it. When this happens, we have to find a way to get our goal back in focus.

Joyful Springers peek through the slats.  By looking for things to appreciate and things that feel good, they find the path of least resistance to get their focus back on what they want.

When a dream is a long time coming, your disappointment puts you out of vibrational sync with what you want.  Appreciating and doing things that make you feel good help you get in vibrational alignment with your desires again.  Once you’re in alignment, you can put your happy focus back on what you want and watch it appear in your life.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Murphy and Ollie are back.  Lee Linenbergs boys work together to keep an eye on their domain. Thanks, Murphy and Ollie, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Make Your Own Splash

July 30th, 2010

english springer spaniel make your own splash Make Your Own Splash

So your competitor is kicking up his heels in triumph because of his huge sales.  Your neighbor is preening over a new car.  Your sister is showing off her new boyfriend.  It seems like all around you, people are making a splash, and you’re feeling left out.

Guess what?  You don’t need to worry about their successes.  Other people’s achievements can’t detract from your own.

Joyful Springers make their own splash.  They don’t care if others are doing bigger and better things because they know that their own thing is good enough if they just stick with it.

When you look at others’ accomplishments and envy or resent them, you take energy away from your own endeavors.  Your dream is just as important and just as viable as those of the people you see around you.  Claim your own spot in the ocean of abundance.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins didn't let her yellow lab friend, Buck's wild exuberance intimidate her ... much.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Behave Into Good Things

July 29th, 2010

English springer spaniel behave into good things Behave Into Good Things

Sometimes we act before we think, and we end up making big messes in the process.  Once we’ve made a mess we can’t clean up on our own, we try and talk our way out of it.  This way of living rarely works out all that well.  As author Stephen R Covey wrote, “You can’t talk your way out of what you’ve behaved yourself into.”

Joyful Springers behave into good things.  They act consistently with their values and their goals, so they don’t make messes they aren”t willing to clean up.

Sometimes you need to stir things up in order to get what you want, but before you start stirring, be sure you’re ready for the mess you’ll make in the process.  Act in ways that are consistent with your core ideals, and you’ll never have to talk your way out of anything.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Rainy's back, and she has her sister, Roxy, with her.  These sweet girls from Portland, Oregon, were 11 weeks old when this photo was taken.  Thanks, Rainy and Roxy, for guest starring on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Make Way For Drowsy

July 28th, 2010

english springer spaniel make way for drowsy Make Way For Drowsy

Benjamin Franklin said, “If you can’t pay for a thing, don’t buy it. If you can’t get paid for it, don’t sell it. Do this, and you will have calm and drowsy nights, with all of the good business you have now and none of the bad.”

How’s that for simple economics?

Joyful Springers make way for drowsy.  They spend only the money they have, and they put their energy into only enterprises that give them the “pay day” of joy and abundance.  And they sleep peacefully each night.

When you live from where you are instead of overreaching yourself,  you create a life of satisfaction and peace.  This peace is what gives you the energy to expand into better and better places.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky is happy with all her decisions, so she can be drowsy at will.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Adapt Then Thrive

July 27th, 2010

English springer spaniel adapt then thrive Adapt Then Thrive

When bad things happen, it’s natural to rail against whatever forces caused such tragedy.  Anger and despair are understandable. The only problem with this reaction to life’s disasters is that the focus on the unpleasant past robs us of a pleasant future.

Joyful Springers adapt then thrive.  They know that they can’t change what’s already happened but they can accept it, adjust to compensate for it, and then move on.  They understand that focusing on what they still have instead of what they’ve lost is the fastest way to start having fun again.

You can’t always choose what’s happening to you, but you can always choose how you respond to it.  If something in your life isn’t as you want it to be and you’re pushing against it, resisting it, know that in doing so you’re keeping yourself from the happiness you deserve.  Tell yourself, “It is what it is.”  Now ask yourself, “What can I make of it?” Claim your power and look ahead to better things coming your way.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Meet Shakespeare, our extra special guest star today.  Shakespeare’s story starts out pretty rough, but it ends just the way a Joyful Springer’s story should.

This seven-year old boy was hit by a car, and his family took him to the vet and asked to have Shakespeare put down because they didn’t have money to pay for his leg repair.  The vet tech persuaded the family to sign Shakespeare over to the veterinary hospital and then contacted English Springer Rescue America (ESRA).  ESRA paid for Shakespeare’s broken leg to be set and cast and also paid for heartworm treatment.

Unfortunately, because of complications, Shakespeare’s leg had to be amputated.  But this hasn’t gotten Shakespeare down.   You can tell from this picture that he’s standing proud, eager for what’s coming his way.  Thank you, Shakespeare, for being a special Guest Star on The Joyful Springer.  Your story inspires us all to find joy no matter what circumstances we find ourselves standing in.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Face It Eagerly

July 26th, 2010

Archie Jens jack russell face it eagerly Face It Eagerly

A line from a Mark Akenside poem reads, “Seeks painted trifles and fantastic toys, and eagerly pursues imaginary joys.”

Joyful Springers face it eagerly.  “It” is visions of wonder and magic and joy.  They look toward their future with exuberant anticipation.

Instead of keeping your focus on an unpleasant present, put your expectant attention on a delightful future.  The energy of your keen desire can turn the imaginary into reality.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful JACK RUSSEL TERRIER.

[Meet Archie.  This happy, much loved Jack Russell terrier, who belonged to Jen Peters, was 11 weeks old in this photo. Archie has left our world, but he lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.   Be always in joy, Archie, and thanks for being a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer!]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Chew On What You Read

July 25th, 2010

Leo chew on what you read Chew On What You Read

Okay, so you read a lot of books.  But do you really think about what you read?

Joyful Springers chew on what they read.  They dissect and ponder and question and wonder because they know that delving into the meaning beneath the words is what helps them expand their wisdom.

When you read, don’t just skim the surface of the words.  Even if you’re reading novels, you can find deep wisdom beneath the superficial meaning of the story.  Dive into words, and you’ll find treasures galore.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful CHOCOLATE LAB.

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

[Leo's back.  I wouldn't be surprised if this clever boy of MUCH personality can read.  See more great pictures of Leo and keep up with his happy life on his Facebook page.  Thanks, Leo, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer!]

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Say Hurray For YOU!

July 24th, 2010

Ducky birthday hat 007 Say Hurray For YOU!Some people say that thinking of ourselves is selfish.  The truth is, though, if we don’t think about ourselves and our needs, we can’t be much use to others.

Joyful Springers say hurray for themselves.  They celebrate who they are by doing what makes them feel good.  They know that if they’re happy, they can do much more for others than if they martyr themselves by putting their own needs last.

It’s not selfish to be happy. When you make your priority finding ways to feel great, your energy increases exponentially, and THEN you have much to offer those around you.  Today, say hurray for YOU and meet your needs first.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky celebrates her first birthday today!  It feels like just a second ago we brought home a little freckled squirming package of love.

Ducky and daddy with caption 223x300 Say Hurray For YOU!Now she's a BIG freckled squirming package of love. :)   Happy Birthday, Ducky!!]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Be Your Own Gatekeeper

July 23rd, 2010

english springer spaniel be your own gatekeeper Be Your Own Gatekeeper

Wouldn’t it be great if we could do whatever we wanted whenever we wanted?  Well, yes and no.

True freedom isn’t about being out of control.  It’s about having room to be yourself within some happy boundaries that keep you safe and well.

Joyful Springers are their own gatekeepers.  They have just enough discipline to create a healthy enclosure in which they can joyfully engage in life.

Sometimes it feels like the discipline needed to eat right or exercise or stick to a project limits life, but the truth is that it opens up possibilities.  When you have the will to give yourself limits, you create an expansive foundation for a joy filled life.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Meet Perrin (on the left), Daniel (on the right), and Bella (in the middle).  This picture, taken at the gate of their historic Charleston, South Caroline home, was the first family photo of Beth Griffin's gorgeous Springers.  Perrin, a 12 year old female, and Daniel, a 7 year old male, are still with Beth, but Bella passed away in February.  Beth, Catherine Jone's English Springer Rescue America (ESRA) mentor, takes her dogs on daily walks along the waterfront in Charleston.  On their walks, they pass a courtyard spa that they affectionately call "Bella's Spa." Beth has been volunteer for ESRA for six years, and she's always ready to rescue and help adopters by answering questions or offering guidance.  Beth is currently fostering a black and white male Springer named Bentley, who needs a home.

Bentley Be Your Own Gatekeeper

Bentley

If you’d like to know more about Bentley, contact me, and I’ll put you in touch with Beth.  Bella, may you be forever in joy; you will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know you. Thanks, Perrin, Daniel, and Bella, for being Guest Stars on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

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Keep Your Red Rubber Ball On Your Mind

July 22nd, 2010

english springer spaniel keep your red rubber ball Keep Your Red Rubber Ball On Your Mind

Growing up in Philadelphia, Kevin Carroll discovered his life’s calling in a neighborhood playground when he found a red rubber ball.  In his book, Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, he challenges people to find their own red rubber ball–a dream to chase for a lifetime.

Joyful Springers keep their red rubber ball on their minds.  They spend each day in pursuit of their life’s calling, a calling that brings them joy.

What is your red rubber ball?  What lights you up?  When you keep your dream alive, you will find a way to live it.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins's red rubber ball, like those of most happy dogs, was play ... and loving me, her silly momma, even when I put a ball on top of her head when she was taking a nap.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.

“If you can’t pay for a thing, don’t buy it. If you can’t get paid for it, don’t sell it. Do this, and you will have calm and drowsy nights, with all of the good business you have now and none of the bad. If you have time, don’t wait for time.”

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