Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Well, it is the end of 2020! Starting this weekend, I will be taking the rest of the year off. But before I leave, I wanted to leave you all with some questions to think through as this year comes to an end. Every Christmas there is this feeling of togetherness. So many people can feel it; it is one reason why many people love Christmas. Many people take the time to look back on family time and the year and see what they can learn that will help them in the next year. However, this year, there are more and more people separated and facing struggles that many of us never thought anyone would be facing. As a result, many people have gotten dogs! I love that dogs have offered a solution to many people’s loneliness and stress! They truly are a great animal and companion! So, as we get the end of this crazy year, I would like to encourage people to do one more crazy sounding thing. When you look back at this year, and the people who have taught you things, include your dog in that review. We can learn a lot from dogs. So, this year, take some time to look at your dog and ask yourselves these three questions:

What Do I Want Out of My Relationship with My Dog and How Can I apply that to People?

First ask yourself what you want from this new companionship! Dogs are a great learning experience on many levels. However, it is easier to find something if we are looking for it. In light of that thought, take a moment to examine what you want out of this relationship. Write those things down, then make a plan to begin the training that you need to help you and your dog accomplish those goals. Then, find what you can apply to your human relationships. Does your dog have a lot of patience? Can you apply that to people in your life? Does you dog enjoy the little moments it gets with you? Maybe we can all learn to enjoy those small moments with each other and focus on our relationships in the moment rather than allowing the world to distract us.

What Can I Learn from My Dog?

Second, ask yourself what you can learn from your dog. I personally have learned so much from dogs! They are a never-ending treasure trove of life lessons. So, take a moment to observe your dog and find what it can teach you about relationships, family, work, and life in general! Dogs have a great teaching ability if we are open to learning from them! Does your dog’s first response to people seem to be love? Maybe we can practice loving people as well. Does your dog have confidence? Is your dog naturally more amiable? What can we learn from those kinds of dogs that will help us be better people in 2021?

How Can I Put That into Action in 2021?

Third, ask yourself how you can put into action what you learn from your dog. I learned from dogs that “it” is about developing the relationship. We are supposed to be there even in the midst of mistakes. This is how I have learned to treat people as well. Look for the good in them. Be there for them, even in the midst of mistakes. Don’t condone bad behavior, but also don’t let it stop you from caring and loving that person. Look for the things your dog does that you can learn from and that can impact the way you behave. What has your dog taught you and how can that impact the way you treat people in your life?

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Goodnight!

I leave you with these questions to ponder. Enjoy learning from your dog; it has much to teach you!

To everyone who celebrates Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas! To those who celebrate other holidays or simply enjoy the end of this year, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and end of 2020! This year has been rough, so take a moment to enjoy your dog. If you don’t have a dog, get on YouTube and watch funny and cute dog videos and let yourself smile this year. No matter how next year goes, you can take a moment to smile in the midst of all that is going on. Learn from dogs and do your best to be a light in someone’s life, even if just for a moment. Take what you have learned and put it into practice in the year 2021. Let’s make 2021 a great year!