Fear | The Joyful Springer

It’s Okay To Get Protection From A “Big Dog”

Posted February 24, 2011 By Ande and has 1 comment.

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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Categories: Cats, Communication, Connecting, Dogs, Fear, Overwhelm, Springer Spaniel

Tags: ask for help, big dog, cat, get help, hound, kittens, lab mix, overwhelmed, Power

Let Your Hair Stand On End

Posted November 20, 2010 By Ande and has 6 comments.

When we step out of our comfort zone, we feel fear. Unfortunately, we often use that fear as an excuse to crawl back to the familiar and abandon the adventures and triumphs we could have had.

Joyful Springers let their hair stand on end. They feel fear, but they they do what scares them in spite of that fear.

Of course, in life or death situations, fear can guide you away from danger. But in day to day life, fear can be a false warning sign. Fear isn’t necessarily an imperative to stop. It can simply be a reaction to unfamiliarity. Acknowledge the fear and keep moving toward your goals.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[When Ducky's hair gets long, it tends to stand up on top and give her a unicorn sort of look. I fashioned it into a Mohawk one day, she humored me.]

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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Categories: Action, Courage, Fear, Springer Spaniel

Tags: comfort zone, Courage, English springer spaniel, Fear, feel the fear and do it anyway, Joy, spaniels, springer spaniels, springers

Think Warm, Fuzzy Thoughts

Posted August 21, 2010 By Ande and has no comments yet.

Our minds can be our strongest asset. They can also be our greatest enemy. Our minds become our enemy when we use them to generate thoughts that create fear.

Some fear–like that created by a true life or death situation–is appropriate and useful. Most fear, though, isn’t helpful at all. It’s False Evidence Appearing Real. We look at events in our lives and spin imaginary scenarios from those events, guessing at what awful things could happen. These imaginary scenarios aren’t real, but we make them seem real with our thoughts.

Joyful Springers think warm, fuzzy thoughts. They don’t waste their mind power on thoughts that make them fearful. They choose thoughts that make them feel secure, strong, and happy.

Your mind is yours to control. You can choose your thoughts. Choose the ones that make you feel good, and you’ll find that life will bring you warm, fuzzy experiences to match your focus.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins always had warm, fuzzy thoughts, even when I put stuffed animals on her head.]

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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Categories: Dogs, Fear, Focus, Mind power, Springer Spaniel

Tags: Dogs, English springer spaniel, false evidence appearing real, Fear, Joy, mind power, spaniel, springer, Springer Spaniel, springers

Watch The Stairs

Posted June 5, 2010 By Ande and has no comments yet.

It’s tempting to turn away from your own path and look toward the threat when you have competitors or critics or some other powerful person or entity breathing down your neck. When you turn toward what you fear, though, you lose your power.

Rudyard Kipling wrote, “Never look backwards or you’ll fall down the stairs.”

Joyful Springers watch the stairs. They know they can’t control what others are doing, but they can concentrate on making their own steps sure.

Someone intimidating might be right on your heels, but don’t let that distract you from your purpose.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins didn't let her new, big friend, Sandy run her over, even though Sandy sure tried.]

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 have contacted me regarding a submission and haven’t heard from me within 48 hours, please contact me again. I’ve had a couple of my replies returned to me, perhaps because of a mistyped e-mail address. I’m NOT ignoring anyone. If you contact me, I reply. So please try again.

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