My puppies have a lot to teach me when I am paying attention. They are always grateful, don’t hold on to resentments or anger, and give love without expectations. I would do well to emulate them. If I am honest, I have expectations of the people I love and those I show kindness. I expect them to think well of me and to return respect and warmth. When I perceive that my expectations have not been met, my feelings are hurt. I need to be reminded that nothing anyone else does, says or thinks is about me—it is about them. Everyone has his own perception of the world and they are the center. I cannot see what fears are driving the person who has hurt my feelings, but I can decide not to take it personally. I can decide to let it go, just like my puppies do when they’re reprimanded. They record the behavior that led to the reprimand, if they can place it, and quickly discard any negativity. They go forward without dwelling on the past. If I can do that, I’ll save a lot of energy that otherwise is spent trying to rid myself of uncomfortable feelings of insecurity or unworthiness that swell up when I harbor feelings of ill will. It will save the time spent in trying to figure out how to make a person like me. What might I do with that time and energy?
I’d rather be happy than right
