Day 1168

After a short walk on another steamy day, we began a cooldown on the front porch. With the fan spinning overhead, I looked at the Goldens and decided it was even too hot to sit in the shade. Standing and opening the door for them, they all looked at me as if to say, “We don’t want to go in! There are things to bark at out here!” Knowing the heat was intense, I firmly told them it was time to go in. They were not pleased, but “moped” their way inside while giving me the “side-eye.” Sometimes it is hard to be in charge when your loved ones don’t want to follow your wisdom.

I am a People Pleaser to a fault. Perhaps I was born that way, or learned it as I grew up…perhaps a bit of both nurture and nature. Whatever the cause, I sometimes put loved ones desires before their actual wellbeing and needs. My dogs are a perfect example.

Knowing there was an extreme heat warning, when the Goldens went to the door for their morning walk, I capitulated and grabbed the leashes. I KNEW it was too warm, but feared their barking might awaken a sleeping household. Hmmmmm…Do I detect a second level of People Pleasing? Out we went with me testing the heat of the pavement and plotting a course mostly in the shade. To my credit, we only walked a couple blocks, but the pups were panting up a storm. Arriving home, we headed to the porch for a little more outside time and then in to the blissful cool of the house.

Should I have told them there would be no walk today? Did they need a moment on the front porch? They DID get fresh air and exercise. Perhaps compromise is the answer for my People Pleasing ways. I know myself well enough to realize I will always try to make people happy, but a compromise might be…Make them happy, but only if everyone is healthy and smiling after needs and wants are met. We shall see!

Right now, they are all at the front door, barking up a storm, wanting to greet the Amazon Delivery Person! The old me just might have opened the door!!!!!