Life will bring you conflict.  There’s no getting around that.  But you can prepare yourself for any conflict you may encounter.

Joyful Springers arm themselves.  They understand that developing a “weapon” of peacefulness and positive expectation will give them protection that feels just like being wrapped in the strong arm of a loving daddy.

When you decide to be a peaceful, positive person, you are always well-armed for any struggle.

[Ducky is always well-armed when she's cuddling with her Daddy. ]

Happy Father’s Day To All The Great Joyful Springer Dads!!

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Woody Allen said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.”

You may not be the one in the driver’s seat, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have any control.

Joyful Springers are alert passengers.  They remain in the now of their daily lives, ready to spot opportunities even when circumstances are taking them for a ride.

Take your life journey with your eyes wide open, and even if you’re not at the wheel, you still can create experiences you love.

[Stoney, Stella Luna, and Steeler from Texas are back. These gorgeous Springers LOVE going for rides with their daddy! ]

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How long have you been planning to pursue your favorite passion or go on that vacation you’ve been talking about or learn that new skill?

Joyful Springers hit enter.  They ACT on their passions and ideas.

The key to moving forward with an idea you’ve had for a long time is to do it one little step at a time.  Take some small action today toward something you’ve been wanting for a long time and you’ll be amazed how the universe will respond to help you go the rest of the way.

[Max is back. Francine's adorable little Yorkie obviously has his paw all over hitting the right key to getting things done!]

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We all have so many aspects–so many sides, so many interests.  Often, though, we hide away much of who we are because we get penned into a particular part of our personality or into a limited number of activities.

Joyful Springers spread their variety.  They make the most of the life they’ve been given, and they let every part of their personality come out to play (both the “good” parts and the “bad” parts).  They fill their days with all their interests, not just one or two.

If you’re feeling a little trapped or stuck in a rut, check to see if you’ve locked away some part of yourself.  Maybe you’re not letting your fun side or your creative side out enough.  Maybe you’re not making time to do enough things you love to do.  Take an inventory of who you are and what you love and be sure you’re fully living the variety of who you truly are.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky loves her variety of toys and LOVES to spread them around the house (there are dozens more outside this photo's range). ]

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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Of course we all want to be strong and independent, and these are great qualities to aspire too.  But the life can get scary and overwhelming at times.  And when it is, sometimes we need help.

Joyful Springers know its okay to get protection from a “big dog.” They understand that when they’re struggling, it’s smart to cuddle up to someone who has more resources, more connections, and/or more power.

If you are feeling lost or scared, know that you don’t have to go it alone.  Somewhere out there is a person who can assist you in a way that will be just right for you.  And asking for that help is not only okay, it’s the wise thing to do.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful LAB/HOUND MIX and joyful KITTENS.

[Zoey (the dog), Kabobby Doll (the gray and white kitty), and Nikk Shish (the black kitty) are back. This adorable trio belongs to Stacy Klesen, and they all live in happily together in Atlanta, Georgia. Thanks, Zoey, Kabobby, and Nikki, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer!]

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

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Benjamin Franklin said, “To the discontented man no chair is easy.”

Joyful Springers make every chair easy.  They choose contentment by focusing on what’s going right in their lives instead of relentlessly staring at what’s wrong.

Even if your life isn’t exactly what you want it to be now, you can decide to be content with what is.  If just one little thing is going right, you have a reason to feel good.  Relax into the best part of your life, and all your chairs will be easy.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Meet BB.  This gorgeous 12-year old girl from North Carolina loves chairs.  Her momma, Darlene, says BB "always needs a chair." Thanks, BB, 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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Musician Duke Ellington once said about something he composed, “I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.”

The day after Christmas can be a let down.  It’s understandable to pout about the wonder being over.  Pouting is okay, but it’s important not to waste it.

Joyful Springers direct their pouts.  When they feel bad, they focus that energy in a productive, positive direction.  They use whatever has caused them to pout to get clear about what they want.

Feeling bad about a loss or disappointment is natural.  But don’t wallow in a pouting place.  Use the pout as a jumping off point for something good, something even better than what you’ve lost.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Sweet Pea is back.  You can see why this seven-month old's mom, Denise, thinks she's pretty special, can't you?  Look at this face!! Sweet Pea delights all who know her in Wheaton, Illinois.  Thanks, Sweet Pea, 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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I usually do just one daily post, but I just got this photo today, and I’m so excited to be “debuting” this sweetie to the world that I had to jump on it.  Plus, she’s wearing her holiday finery.

Everyday, we have a choice.  We can either link into the “chain of pain” in the world–the complaints and problems and crud–or we can join the “pile of presents”–all the fun and beauty and love.

Joyful Springers join the pile.  They know that even though pain is of course present in the world, they don’t have to add to it by focusing on it incessantly.  They know that for every loss there’s a gain, and they choose to pay more attention to the gain.

Even when it seems that everything is going wrong, there’s always something going right. When you put all your attention on what’s right, you build up that pile of right; and everything get’s better and better.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Meet River!  This six-month old bundle of love and energy is Abigail LaPan's new Springer, who joined Abigail and her family this summer.  River has big paws to fill.  Abigail's last, beloved Springer, Oliver, passed away in February.  It was my privilege to honor him on this site in April, when Abigail and her family were still deeply grieving his passing.  Abigail says that River has helped bring Abigail peace about Oliver's death.

I can so relate to Abigail's feelings because Ducky has done the same for me regarding Muggins' passing. So this post is in celebration of River and all the new animals who come into our lives to remind us that though loved ones' physical bodies may leave, their love never does.   And this post is dedicated to Oliver and all the other remarkable animals who give their devotion to us and touch us so profoundly that their imprint lasts forever. Thanks, River, 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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We are such a “get ‘er done” society.  We want to accomplish things, and we want to do it fast.  We want fast food.  We want fast cars.  We want fast results.  We go so fast that we miss the little joys that can be found in each moment.

Joyful Springers squeeze it.  They make every moment as precious as it can possibly be by being fully IN the moment.  If they’re playing, they’re playing and not planning what they’re going to eat.  If they’re eating, they’re eating and not thinking about a ride in the car.

Have you ever thought about how much richer your day would be if you kept your head in each moment instead of sending it on ahead to the next moment and the next and the next?  The truly precious things in life are small and fleeting, and you might miss them if you’re vaulting over what’s before you right now.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Major's back.  This six-month old cutie from Columbia, South Carolina squeezes the joy out of every moment.  Thanks, Major, 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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An unknown author wrote, “The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for.”

Joyful Springers make the trail the thing.  They know that life is in the process, not the result.  They relish the journey even as they expect to get to their destinations.

If you’re focused on outcomes, you’ll spend a lot of time slogging through life.  Remember that life is what happens on the way to the goals, not the goals themselves.  Enjoy the process.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

Meet Ollie.  Not to be confused with Ollie from Indianapolis.  This Ollie is a high-energy two year old who belongs to Ned Whitman. They live in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Thanks, Ollie, 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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