Day 846

Sammy has been a challenge. His exuberance for life, interest in everything moving and NEED for attention have all made training a bit difficult. He has come so far and today was a testament to that growth.

We were sitting out on the back steps when Jimmy (in Minnesota for his birthday and a friend's wedding) suggested we invite Sam to join us. Mac and I exchanged a look and we explained why our boy might just be a "flight risk." My son encouraged us to have a little faith, so we opened the door to the pup's freedom. After a few minutes of "Zoomies," Sammy settled in and rolled over on his back for some tummy rubs and loving. It was a success!

So many times in life, we set limits that might not need to be instituted or, perhaps, have surpassed their need for safety or usefulness. For example, there was a law in the Anoka books that set a "speed limit" for horses/buggies racing down 3rd Avenue! The Mayor and Council deemed it a bit out-of-date and erased it from the enforceable laws.

There are times when rules and regulations keep loved ones safe or provide peace and safety in a situation. Although there is a time and place for decrees, often we allow them to continue without giving the Sams of the world a chance to spread their wings and show us that they can handle life.

It made me realize that, on a more insular, personal level, we tend to set limitations in place for our own lives. When we tell ourselves that something is not part of our usual regime, we restrict our chances to grow, evolve and succeed.

Reaching beyond the limitations we have set for our own lives can be a stressful move...however, the benefits might just outweigh the perceived risks. Like our Sammy, we might just surprise ourselves by stretching outside of our comfort zones and seeing what might lie outside the limits we have set in place. At least, most of us are not "flight risks!"