The Gremlin and the Puppy

As I do everyday, I took my 4 month old puppy for a walk. Today, however, was different. You see, there was a time when Gertrude (my Gremlin) had me believing that my sweet, beautiful Lacey was never going to like walks. This is a dog who had a lot of fears when we first got her and walking seemed to be at the top of the list which I'd never experienced with any of my past dogs. It was so frustrating at times that I seriously considered not making her take walks. Afterall, she could just as easily run around in the backyard, play ball and get plenty of exercise that way.

Well, today was a major breakthrough, and honestly, it wasn't until 5 minutes into the walk that I noticed it. I think I kept waiting for her usual behavior to kick in - but it didn't. All her usual behaviors were gone - her shaking, her desire to turn around and go home, her need to be so close to me that it was like swinging her along with her body wrapped around one of my legs.

Not today, though. Today she walked with confidence, exploring in complete silence, no longer attached to my leg - she was at peace and so was I. Yes, she had been getting better with each walk, but this time a switch in her brain went on that seemed to say, "Oh I get it! I'm safe. It's not such a scary thing to do. I can handle this!"

Then of course, I just had to take this scenario right to the human level. So as I'm walking along with my perfect dog I started thinking how I let my Gremlin get the best of me when I first started walking Lacey. Believing that it was always going to be difficult and no fun.

That's what the Gremlin does. It tells us things about a challenging experience and tries to convince us that this is how it's always going to be. It can create unnecessary stress when we choose to believe something that hasn't proven to be true at all.

The Gremlin thrives in new experiences because that's when It knows we're most vulnerable and easy prey. So I just want to remind you, when you're doing something new and you find yourself scared or frustrated or ready to quit, make sure it's not your Gremlin who's leading the way. If it is, then pull out your 5 Tips to Quiet the Gremlin and put them into practice again. I have mine attached to the dog leash.

Okay, fine, I'm kidding. But it might not be a bad idea!

If you've misplaced your 5 tips or want them for the first time you can download them here: Awaken The Genie Within

Comments

[Linda]

Hi Sandy,
Thank you again, for your warm comment.
Linda

[Sandy]

Again, what a wonderful post, and a perfectly simple reminder that our fears/doubts/past experiences don't rule us unless we let them. :-D Thank you, Linda!