Wear Hats That Fit Just Right

Wear hats that fit just right Wear Hats That Fit Just Right

Most of us “wear a lot of hats,” in our lives.  We are many things to many people.  And that’s fine.  But what’s not fine is when we’re being something that’s all wrong for us … no matter how much someone else needs it.

Joyful Springers wear hats that fit just right.  They understand that trying to contort themselves into something that doesn’t fit isn’t going to help anyone in the long run.

Go ahead and wear all your different hats.  You can play many roles and do it authentically.  But when you’re doing something that feels awkward or stressful, check and make sure you’re not wearing a hat that is all wrong for you. You’ll do more good in the world when you have on a well-fitted hat.

[Ducky borrowed this hat off of a Christmas bear.  It has holes for the bear's ears that also work well for Springer ears.  We think it fits her perfectly. icon smile Wear Hats That Fit Just Right ]

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Talk Turkey

talk turkey pringles and triscuit Talk Turkey

Thanksgiving is traditionally a family time.  So what’s the best way to get along with family?

Be in truth.

Joyful Springers talk turkey.  They don’t try to please others, even family members, by being what they aren’t.  They tell the truth about themselves and their lives.

Family get-togethers can be obligations.  Or they can be opportunities.  Consider using this Thanksgiving, and all future family times, as a chance to relate to others genuinely.

[Pringles and Triscut are back. Joan Howe's gorgeous Springers were obviously are wondering when the photo shoot would be over and when they could chow down on that turkey, but they were well-mannered girls when Joan took the picture!  . icon smile Talk Turkey ]

Tim and Ducky and I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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Bravely Face Open Mouths

Bravely engage open mouths sweet pea and poppy Bravely Face Open Mouths

A lot of people do or don’t do things because of what they think other people will say.  They let fear of criticism keep them from following their dreams.

Joyful Springers bravely face open mouths.  Their attitude about others’ feedback is “Bring it on.”  They know that it doesn’t matter if other people make fun of them or find fault with them.  What matters is that they’re being true to themselves.

You will never manage to please even half of the people you encounter.   There are just too many different perspectives.  Instead of putting your energy into avoiding negative feedback, put your energy into doing what makes your heart sing.  When your heart is singing loud enough, it drowns out any criticism or unkind things that might come out of open mouths around you.

[Sweet Pea and Poppy are back. These two cuties love to play together and aren't afraid of each other's open mouths. icon smile Bravely Face Open Mouths ]

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Have Nothing To Hide

have nothing to hide poppy Have Nothing To Hide

When you have something you want to keep from others, it’s usually one of two things; it’s something about yourself that you think doesn’t live up to others’ expectations OR it’s something you’re ashamed of.  No matter what your secrets are about, keeping them is often draining.

Joyful Springers have nothing to hide.  They live by two rules:  they don’t care what others think about their so-called shortcomings AND they make honorable choices so they never have need to be ashamed.

How much energy do you expend trying to keep secrets from family, friends, or coworkers?  Put that energy instead into living an honest life and letting yourself shine, in all your glorious imperfection.

[Poppy is back, and she's letting it all hang out.  This adorable Cocker Spaniel has nothing to hide. icon smile Have Nothing To Hide ]

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Write Your Own Story

write your life story scout Write Your Own Story

Have you ever noticed how people want to create stories about you?  Your friends, family, and co-workers have ideas about who you are, but do you really want their ideas to define you?

Joyful Springers write their own story.  They create their own character and work out their own plot by choosing to become who they want to be and choosing to do what they want to do.

You are the author of your own life.  You don’t need to live inside the drama of someone else’s expectations or limitations.  Decide what kind of story you want to live, and write it with your thoughts, your intentions, and your actions.

[Meet Scout.  Scout is the co-author of two books!  This very handsome nine-year old from Charleston, NC has helped his momma, Nancy Lucas, write two books--The Missing Boston Terriers of Smith Street (currently available) and A Ghostly Tail (which comes out in two weeks).  You can read sample chapters and see the wonderful cartoons Nancy draws for the book at her blog, http://nancylucas.com/blog/Scout's books are available at Amazon in paperback and in e-book form at Kindle, iBooks, and Nook.

If you’re near Charleston, you can also pick up a signed copy at Historic Charleston Foundation's gift shop at 108 Meeting St. and in the Market.  You can also stop by Charleston Preservation Society's gift shop at 147 King Street for a signed copy.  Scout says, “Sometimes, there are paw-printed signed copies available, but I get really bored with that pretty quick and they are not many.”  Scout and Nancy’s next book signing with some paw prints will be at Preservation Society, Sunday, October 9.  The event is called 2nd Sunday on King St., and they close the street to car traffic from 1-6 pm.  Scout says he and Nancy “will be sitting outside, looking fabulous and greeting our fans.”  I hope you can pick up a copy of Scout and Nancy’s book! ]

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Take The Wheel

Murphy linenburg TAKE THE WHEEL Take The Wheel

How much of your day do you spend trying to control the people around you?  Think about it … and be honest.  Most of us either consciously or unconsciously attempt to get others to do what we want.

Joyful Springers take the wheel.  They don’t bother trying to get others to go in the direction they want.  They take charge of their own lives by putting their energy and focus on themselves.

When you keep your focus on your thought, your opinion, your intuition, and your actions, you have the ultimate control to design a life you want.

[Murphy is back. Lee Linenberg's boy apparently plans on going places. icon smile Take The Wheel ]

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Coalesce

Coalesce river and henry Coalesce

We all have multiple aspects to our selves.

Joyful Springers coalesce.  They honor and own all parts of who they are instead of trying to cut themselves off from traits they don’t like.

It’s natural to try to ignore or tamp down parts of your character you consider bad or shameful.  But when you do that, you devalue the whole of who you are and you diminish yourself in the process.  When you let all your parts–the good, the bad, and the ugly icon smile Coalesce –be okay, you enhance yourself in a way that makes you better than you thought you were.

[River is back, and she has her new little brother, Henry with her.  River turned a year old a couple months ago, about the time her momma, Abigail, took this photo, and Henry is 10 1/2 weeks here.  Is he adorable, or what? icon smile Coalesce ]

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Ignore Hangers-On

english springer spaniel IGNORE THE HANGERS ON Ignore Hangers On

Not everyone you know wants you to get ahead.  There will be those who feel threatened when you make big changes.

Joyful Springers ignore hangers-on.  They don’t let anyone keep them from chewing on whatever interests them.

So what if your friends hate that you’re giving up alcohol or your spouse is threatened when you go on a diet or your co-workers wish you wouldn’t do such a great job?  You do what you need to do for you.  Never let others crawl onto your back and hold you back from the life you want to live.

[Murphy is back and he has Harley with him.  Murphy is Lee Linenberg's handsome Springer and Harley is Lee's Chocolate lab grand-dog.  Harley has a tendency to attach himself to Murphy, but that doesn't distract Murphy from important chewing matters. icon smile Ignore Hangers On ]

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Be In The Forefront

Be in the forefront mattie Be In The Forefront

Do you hide your talents and assets behind too much humility?

Joyful Springers are in the forefront.  They know they’re “all that,” and they are happy for others to know it.  They know they can be confident and assured without being obnoxious about it.

You have so much to offer the world.  Don’t ever let others (those flashy flowery folks or flag-wavers icon wink Be In The Forefront diminish your wonder.  Own your awesomeness!

[Mattie's back.  This gorgeous North Carolina girl loves to pose for the camera, and she's a natural, isn't she? icon smile Be In The Forefront ]

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Hook Up

English springer spaniel hook up Hook Up

It doesn’t take that much to make a powerful connection with someone.

Joyful Springers hook up.  They know that sharing just a little bit of themselves invites others to do the same.

The best interactions start with just a simple hook of authentic revelation.  Let others get a peek at who you are, and you’ll create relationships that will last a lifetime.

[Ollie and Murphy are back.  Lee Linenberg's dogs are connected in more ways than one!]


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