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April 30, 2008

While wallowing last week over setbacks, I posted a plea elsewhere for ideas on what to do when you get discouraged. My question … How do you keep your spirits up? The discussion included the concept of mantras. I’ve been using a couple phrases in my head relating to work. (Remember, I get things stuck in my internal audio easily.) So … I figured how about one for training? Here’s what I wrote. What do you tell yourself?

I am a calm, confident, and compassionate handler. Together, Lilly and I can overcome any challenge.

I’m going to play with that thinking and report back.

As you may recall, there are other phrases I’ve used with Lilly. For example, sometimes when she balks, I’ll say to her over and over — “The faster we move, the braver we are.”

Or, when she’s handled well something “scary,” I sing … “We’re gonna jump, jump, jump our jitters out. Jump, jump, jump our jitters out.” (Like a Wiggles song, for those who are familiar.)

Lilly naturally leaps as high as my head when she has done something brave or when she’s excited or nervous, so I figured I might as well sing about it.

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

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