Day 488

After walking Sam down by the river with a stop IN the river, I decided to get my sidekick (Asher) to accompany me on the next walk, driving his toy jeep. Of course, there was a different body of water to contend with! Gus and Asher had a wet and wild adventure!

As I accompanied my family, furry and not, on walks, there were numerous times when the word "NO" formed in my mind.

*Don't drive up that hill! (Asher)

*Don't pick up "whatever"! (dogs)

*Don't jump the curb! (Asher)

*Don't eat those leaves! (dogs)

*Don't go in the water! (EVERYONE)

After a couple of "Don'ts," I asked myself WHY I was being so negative. At that point in our meanderings, I challenged myself to simply enjoy the walk. Of course, if there was any danger, I would have chimed in, but decided to 'go-with-the-flow'...so to speak.

In this life, there are so many opportunities that might be rejected when only looking at the negative consequences that could occur. If we only looked at the positive consequences and made a decision based on those, there might be more growth, open doors and adventures awaiting.

My life has certainly been predictable for the most part, with few chances to look at the negative fallout from my choices. Certainly, there have been a few "Don'ts" in my existence, but the roads I have walked have been pretty smooth. Still, I find myself pondering why my first reaction is often a negative one regarding safety, routine and the status quo. That reaction has been changing and calming down over time, but it could certainly use a boost now and then.

Watching the pups and Asher enjoy various "water sports" was a joy today. There would have been less glee and laughter if I had fallen back on my old ways.

Instead of saying "Why," my goal is to say "Why not" in the days ahead. The pups and Asher approve wildly!