Show up for yourself. Or, ya know...don't.
You know when someone does something that immediately makes you feel stupid for not thinking of it?
Well, that happened to me today at a coffee shop while I watched a person and their dog settle into a table. At first I was amused—the dog looked to be some sort of pittie mix with white fur, wearing a very fashionable, multi-colored sweater. And by the looks of it, it’d actually been a human sweater once upon a time.
From my spot against the back wall, I watched as the pair got comfy at the table in front of mine, facing the window.
Good view for the dog.
Smart.
This person seemed completely unhurried; but also, it kind of seemed like they were on a deliberate mission. They were focused, but nonchalant about it. After setting their bag down, and wrapping the dog’s leash around the feet of the table, they went to get a coffee. The dog surveyed the rest of us with a glance, but didn’t budge. When their owner returned, they took out their laptop and turned to hand a Kong stuffed with treats to the pup in the multicolored sweater.
I think my jaw actually fell open.
Damn...what a pro.
They were aware of their environment, but not like how I am... they showed up and confidently set their own conditions. Even though I tell myself I do that, too, I immediately recognized the difference: I show up ready to respond, and that’s not the same thing.
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