Look For Sideways Luck

Springer spaniel look for the sideways luck Look For Sideways Luck

Some things are obviously “lucky.”  Winning contests or money, getting something you really want–these things are clear evidence of good fortune.  But a lot of great things aren’t clearly great … at first.

Joyful Springers look for sideways luck.  They know that seemingly insignificant happenings can add up to become some of the luckiest things that ever happened to them.

When you keep your eyes open for “sideways luck,” you look for unusual happenings that in themselves don’t seem all that good for you but just might fit together with other events to create some true wonder in your life.  You know that all the little unexpected occurrences are integral to creating all the fortune you desire.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky definitely loves herself, and that doesn't stop her from loving everyone else too! icon smile Look For Sideways Luck ]

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.


 Look For Sideways Luck

the secrets of dog training2 Look For Sideways Luck

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Sit In The Threshold

englsh springer spaniel sit in the threshold Sit In The Threshold

Many of us spend our lives inside the four walls of belief systems we accepted years ago and haven’t questioned since.  It doesn’t even occur to some to look past the boundaries of preconceived notions.

Joyful Springers sit in the threshold.  They live their lives in the doorway of their beliefs, always ready to test the old ones and perhaps take on new ones.

Beliefs aren’t facts.  They’re fluid, and you get to choose them.  So why not choose beliefs that help you feel good about yourself and the world you’re in?  Always be ready to leave the confines of your old ideas and explore new ways of thinking that open the door to a better world.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Jackie is back and she's dressed in her Halloween finery.  Jackie is, her momma says, a "goofy" girl, but this photo shows her more serious, regal side. Thanks, Jackie, 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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Remember Pumpkin History

English springer spaniel remember pumpkin history Remember Pumpkin History

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “We fancy men are individuals; so are pumpkins; but every pumpkin in the field goes through every point of pumpkin history.”

Joyful Springers remember pumpkin history.  They know that everyone started as a seed before growing into something magnificent, so they accept where they are in the growth cycle.

No one, no matter how successful or rich, is better than you.  Everyone started in the same pumpkin patch.  Have faith that you have what it takes to grow into anything you want to be.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Mattie's back.  Mattie wasn't a huge fan of posing with this scary cat, but she's a good sport.  She's used to her momma, Brenda, taking hundreds of photos. Thanks, Mattie, 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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Point Toward Shore

english springer spaniel point toward shore Point Toward Shore

When we’re facing big challenges in life, it can seem like we’re  lost at sea.  We flail around and tread water and bemoan how futile the situation is.  Instead, we need to turn toward the solution.

Joyful Springers point toward shore.  They may have a problem, but they don’t keep their attention on it.  They put their attention on solutions instead.

The way out of whatever mess you might be in is within your reach.  Turn away from your problem, and the course to solutions will reveal itself.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Savannah's back!  This six-month old girl from Portland, Oregon, loves the beach.  You can see more pictures of Savannah on her momma, Carrie's, Facebook page.  Thanks, Savannah, 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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Get In Line

english springer spaniels get in line Get In Line

Sometimes it feels like we have to compete for everything.  What we want is what a million other people want.  Our desires feel like the best show in town and the line to get in seems too long to bother with.  The truth is, though, we sure won’t get in the show if we walk the other way.

Joyful Springers get in line.  They don’t care how many others want what they want.  They claim their chance at it by being where they need to be, even if big crowds are in the same place.

If you feel like your talent or your business idea is too much like that of millions of others so you might as well not bother trying, remind yourself that you live in a world of infinite opportunity.  You can get what you want, but you sure won’t get it if you give up before you start.  You bring something unique to your desire that no one else has.  Focus on that … and get in line.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[The "Rescue Pups" are back.  These adorable babies, the offspring of a mom and dad pair of Springers who came into rescue in North Carolina when the mom was pregnant, would make anyone want to get in line for a Springer.

English Springer Rescue America works hard to find homes for pups like these and rescue dogs like their parents.  If you have the time and financial resources to adopt a Springer who needs a home, visit the Springer Rescue site and click on your area of the map to read about dogs who might be a perfect fit for your family. (Tim and I would adopt a second Springer in a heartbeat if we had the financial ability--maybe when the Joyful Springer is a big success and makes us lots of money .....)  If you aren't able to rescue a Springer, please spread the word by sharing this post using your favorite social networking site and if you are on Twitter, retweet it.  Let's get the word out about rescued Springers who need homes.

Thanks, pups, 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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Reconnoiter When Necessary

english springer spaniel reconnoiter when necessary Reconnoiter When Necessary

Sometimes we just know something is the right thing to do.  Sometimes we’re not so sure.  When we’re not sure, it’s tempting to back away and not take a risk.

But we don’t have to use this either/or approach to life.  We can follow a middle road.

Joyful Springers reconnoiter when necessary.  When they aren’t sure of the next step, they move ahead slowly and investigate each possible direction.  They take a peek at options, and they don’t back away from any possibility.

Even if something you’re thinking about doing doesn’t seem quite right yet, don’t give up on it.  Explore it a bit. You might find an opening to a project, business, or relationship that feels comfortable enough risk.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Jackie is back. This lovely girl from the San Francisco Bay area is usually ready for a good time, but sometimes she has her cautious moments too. Thanks, Jackie, 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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Face Doorways

english springer spaniel face doorways Face Doorways

The only thing we can see is what we’re looking at.  Sounds obvious, right?  So why, if we’re unhappy with where we are, do we keep looking at where we are?  Why not look for a way out of where we are?

Joyful Springers face doorways.  They know that they’re never limited to where they are in their life, and they turn their attention toward openings to something better.

You’re never as trapped as you think.  There is always an opening to something better.  If you don’t look toward the opening, though, you’ll never get through it.  Get your attention off the unwanted place you’re in and on the possibility of where you want to go.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins would stand in front of my parents' pantry door and talk until you opened the door and got a treat for her from the jar that was just inside the door.  She trained us all very well.]

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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Run With The Baton

english springer spaniel run with the baton Run With The Baton

It’s a cliche, but it’s one worth repeating:  Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.  Or as author and speaker Og Mandino said, ”Take the baton, now. Run with it! This is your day!”

Joyful Springers run with the baton.  They grab hold of opportunity when they spot it, and they charge forward.

When you see possibility, don’t hesitate.  Embrace it.  Act on it. Race on into your best life.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky has discovered the joys of carrying sticks on the beach.  We have to show her how to find the balance point so she doesn't drag them, but once she has a good hold of it, she's off and running.  Keep away is one of her favorite games.]

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

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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Scan For Possibility

english springer spaniel scan for possibility Scan For Possibility

Extraordinary things can come into our lives, but if we’re not looking for the extraordinary, it will pass us by.

Joyful Springers scan for possibility.  They look past “what is” in their lives, and even as they’re content with what they have, they’re open to finding something better.

If you’re caught up in your troubles and challenges, you won’t see opportunities when they come your way.  Lift your gaze from your worries and be open to spotting a miracle today.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins was a Field Springer spaniel, which meant she was bred for hunting.  I don't hunt, so she found a way to satisfy her instinct.  She hunted insects.  She spent hours on top of the backs of our sofas scanning the walls and ceiling for creeping mosquitoes or crane flies or spiders.  When she found one, she pointed at it until I went to get a broom or flyswatter.  Then she barked as I "bagged the bug."]

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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