Day 787

This face! Sammy is the most loving pup! The only problem is that he loves with all of his heart AND body! Someday, he will be one of the best Therapy Dogs in the world...when he calms down just a bit! Our Sammy has more energy than all of the others put together! He is smart, affectionate to a fault and devoted beyond measure. Still...there is work to be done before he faces certification!

There are those in our lives who are devoted to us. Certainly, I am devoted to many in my world. There are times when I struggle to see myself worthy of that devotion. It is so much easier for me to BE devoted than it is for me to be the recipient of that devotion. Self-love is not the easiest concept to embrace.

When are we taught to honor and love ourselves? As children, we are often showered with praise and devotion. One might think that would sink in and the person would join their own Fan Club, but that is not the typical course. It would seem that those childhood lessons might just turn into a need for more praise and devotion throughout life. Perhaps that is why we continue to seek accolades from without instead of from within?

As my "Nanny Life" plays a big part in the scheme of things, maybe I need to reword some of those phrases of praise. Instead of saying,

"Nanny is so proud of you!"

I should be saying,

"You should be so proud of yourself!"

It's a little too late for me and my aging psyche, but Asher might just benefit from my "Ah Hah Moment." Of course, I will continue to shower him with love, praise and devotion, but every now-and-then, I might just turn the tables. Being proud of his own accomplishments, kind heart and creativity should come from within as well. Finding a happy medium is the goal.