(#70) Focus on the Present

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NOTE: I have noticed that the humans seem to have a lot on their minds and are distracted. So, today I share Story #25 from my book. Seems like an appropriate gift for the humans who have been so good to me. Kind of my biscuit to them. WOOF!

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How do you balance between focusing on the future and appreciating the present?

One day, as we walked through the big building where people come to go, I heard my name from behind, which was not unusual. Like I’ve mentioned before, people seem to know my name but not Steve’s. He doesn’t seem to mind.

            “Roxie! Roxie!”

We turned and saw a petite woman approaching us. I recognized her as one of the women who, standing behind a counter on the side of the hallway, talked to people as they passed by. We stopped and waited for her.

“You walked by so fast that I did not have a chance to touch Roxie.” She knelt and rubbed my back and scratched my ears. She had a nice smile.

Steve promised to walk slower on our next visit.

That got me thinking about one of the things on which Steve and I differ.

Focus.

Now, don’t get me wrong. He is a focused guy.  He works hard at his machine with those little pads that he taps with his fingers, and he works a lot around the house. And at night, he sometimes goes out to do work with his neighbors.

But he always seems to be focused on where he is going; where he needs to be; or what he needs to get done.

For me, I focus on where I am.  The smells in front or to the side of me or the cool sand on my body. In the park, I’ll stop just to stare at the turtles or ducks in the pond.  If a cat is nearby, I want to go up and get to know it. Of course, the cats are so arrogant and self-righteous. They ignore me. That’s another story. 

If I see something resting by the side of the road, I want to explore it.  Another dog comes by, I want to stop and exchange a doggie handshake.

I don’t want to miss a thing. If it was put in my path, I believe it was put there for a reason. I must explore what surrounds me. Get to know it well.

Steve’s focus on our walks is often where we are going.  He wants to arrive at the beach. Or get around the park and return home. I know he has a lot on his mind. Humans are always so busy.  But he misses so much along the way.

I’d like to tell him to slow down. But I can’t speak. So, I use my body if I really think we need to pay attention to something near us.  I will just stop and give a little pull on the leash. Steve stops and looks at me, and then we both get to look at what he has missed because he is focused on the future.

He is a work in progress. And I see improvement.

Good, Steve! Good, person!

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Beyond the Biscuit

How do you keep balance between focusing on the future (where you are going; where you need to be; or what you need to get done) and appreciation for the present (what is in front of you)?

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Thanks for coming back to my blog. You make me happier than biscuits!

My book, Roxie Looks for Purpose Beyond the Biscuit, is still available. I share stories and lessons about friends, family, and fun. And I speak about purpose as well. (Steve says for dogs we might just want to call it “furpose.” He makes words up, I think.) The book holds a biscuit or two for you or for a friend!

WOOF!

The Growth and Resilience Network®
Steve Piscitelli. 2022©