Day 1597

Sammy and I were on the first walk of the day when we began to run into other dog walkers out for a stroll. Greetings were exchanged from across the street until one owner paused to ask a few questions. When I mentioned our Therapy Dog work, she asked if we lived in the Big White House, I nodded and she said, “Oh, I’ve heard about you.” As we parted ways and headed in different directions, I had the biggest smile on my face…what HAD she heard about me? It was humorous, but rather daunting.

We have many thoughts about those we encounter in our days. It is hard to pass a person without your brain engaging at all. Typically, my thoughts are benign, bordering on insipid…

*That guy sure is tall!

*What a cute baby!

*How can that person run so easily!

*I feel like I know that man from somewhere.

*Nice sweater!

There are also a few thoughts that do not lean into kindness enough…

*That electric bike should stay off the sidewalk!

*That car rolled right through the stop sign.

*Ick! Who would NOT pick up after their dog?

*What an ugly color for a car!

Luckily, these meanderings are interspersed with serious, uplifting and pertinent ideas as I walk. No matter if my brain is delivering important or trivial messages, it never wonders what others say about me!?!?!

The older I get, the less I worry about other people’s opinions about me. Simply trying to live my life in a positive way helps me to not worry about what others have “heard about me.” If I had to hazard a guess, the lady we encountered on our walk might have heard, “That crazy dog lady!” That is absolutely fine with me!