Comments on: The Puppiness Project – Don’t Let Bad Stuff Distract You From Joy

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:56:57 +0000

Well, I don’t ruminate; I just roll…..right into the fetal position! 😉 (oh my, that was bad – sorry, I felt like I needed to break up the mood) I think what you have here are a bunch of highly sensitive geniuses (minus me, the genius part, that is).

I agree that distraction is good, and I like GLP’s breathing and wishing well idea. Sometimes it’s easier to deal with downright rude criticism than the nice kind. It’s hard to wish an unfortunate case of ringworm (or other fungus) on a considerate person.

I will be going now.

p.s. will look forward to reading about the challenges – I have commitment issues.

By: Pup Fan

Pup Fan — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:16:45 +0000

Another ruminator here (seems like there are quite a few of us in the comments). I tend to dwell on things and have a hard time letting things go… they just fester and continue to bother me. I’ve been trying to work on it and sometimes I have to sit down and be firm with myself and tell myself to move on. It doesn’t always work… in fact, I was just sitting here stewing on some things when I clicked on your post. I like your idea for counteracting this tendency… maybe I can put it into practice!

By: Greyhounds CAN Sit

Greyhounds CAN Sit — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:21:28 +0000

I’m a ruminator too and while my memory is not good about most things, I find an insult, critisism or slight very hard to forget:( And I dwell on what I should have said or should have done (or not said or done) etc for weeks, months even. It’s a sad way to live. I’m very sorry you were upset but I like your remedy and I’m going to try and remember it! Everything improves when the kids smile at or with me.

By: Amy@GoPetFriendly

Amy@GoPetFriendly — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:12:15 +0000

Feeling bad and ruminating on seems to be a popular activity and I’m definitely part of the club. I hope that, with practice, we can train our minds to stop playing these “bad” events over and over and get out of the rut more quickly. I’m looking forward to the challenge – we’re stationary this month so it should work out great for me.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:35:51 +0000

This is a tough one for me too. I remember the incredibly trite advice I was given back in high school: remember the compliments, forget the insults. It isn’t all that easy, I gotta say. I’ve written a lot about courage myself as I am a self-confessed coward. Easily intimidated, it’s incredibly difficult for me to face confrontation or handle criticism, even when it’s kindly meant. It’s why I am so stunned by my dog who doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything. Even when she is afraid, she doesn’t back away from conquering those fears. She blows my mind.

I think this is such a great idea for a challenge! I can’t wait to check it out. I am also impressed you have found a way to fight the evil demons of censure. Hopefully it makes it much easier for you in the future!

By: Snoopy@snoopysdogblog

Snoopy@snoopysdogblog — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:18:27 +0000

Isn’t it funny how we’re all scared of things that don’t seem to make a lot of sense?

I’m scared of flapping clothes, but it’s ok if Mum flaps them, just not if anyone else flaps them!! I’m working on this with my family, just like you are, cos I don’t like to look like a little scardy cat hiding behind Mum’s leg!!

Way to go Honey in continuing to show us all the way,

Your pal Snoopy 🙂

By: 24 Paws of Love

24 Paws of Love — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:11:37 +0000

Like a dog with bone! I do the exact same thing with things I think are bad or can’t seem to stop focusing on the negative about something. I find it easy to feel trapped without any way out. Like I have no say so what is going on in my head.

I run with the dogs. I should do it more, but I when I do, these are the times I usually let them lead me, especially Brut. We help each other break the chains.

Sorry to hear that you had a hard time with the criticism and I understand how that can be. I’m glad you found a way with Honey and Mike to help you through. 🙂 Again another thing I know very well…well not with Mike and Honey, of course! That would be kind of strange, wouldn’t it!!

Smile Pamela, you are loved. 🙂

By: houndstooth

houndstooth — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:13:54 +0000

I can definitely see myself in some of that! I think what helps me is walking away from it for a while and immersing myself in something else that will keep me busy. It’s easier said than done a lot of the time, though.

I am really curious about tomorrow’s challenge!

By: Peggy Frezon

Peggy Frezon — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:44:24 +0000

Your distraction/avoidance/different activity techniques sound very helpful. When fear gets hold of me, distraction is one technique I try to help. I am blessed/cursed with a strong imagination and sometimes that makes me afraid of situations which I think could be in some way dangerous. But that imagination can also help me relax and get my mind off thinking of it as a dangerous situation. I guess I could imagine being a happy carefree golden retriever!

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:37:19 +0000

Wow, this was a great post. I ruminate too, way too much. I wish I didn’t but I do.
Like you said, going outside for a nice long walk with the boys helps a great deal, it just takes me to another place!