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My clients often tell me stories … ranging from the tragic and heartbreaking to the hilarious and heartwarming.  Many I couldn’t relate to you because of confidentiality.

But recently, a client told me about her dog and a distinctive behavior he displays.

It’s both funny and instructive.

Whenever my client is upset or annoyed by something and verbalizes her displeasure or frustration, her dog leaves the room.  Every time.  Predictably.  No whining or moaning.  He just leaves.  He doesn’t need the drama.

Our dog doesn’t do that, even though it’s clear he doesn’t like loud, upset voices.

We’ve just moved out of a house after 29 years and moved into a “new” house.  Smaller … newer … one floor … more manageable yard.  We’re still unboxing and sorting through things.

Where DID we put the dishwasher detergent?

Had Willy been inclined to walk out of the room every time he heard loud, perturbed voices, he’d have gotten plenty of exercise.  Moving doesn’t exactly bring out the best in you.  It’s exhausting, both mentally and physically, and you can get cranky.

So, why did I tell you about the dog who leaves the room?

That’s the instructive part.

Wouldn’t it be helpful to have a signal like that every time we lost our cool, so we could quickly recognize we were reacting badly and work to regain our equanimity?

So, for us … and maybe for you … we just have to be more mindful.  The key is to catch ourselves and de-escalate the emotional overreaction asap.

Why?  Because the chemicals that flow through your body when you’re ticked off don’t do you any good.

And part of being successful at living is the ability to shake off the crazy making, the fear inducing, and the just plain irritating as fast as you can, so you can get back to being happy … or at least calm.

People will thank you for it.

How do you do it?  How do you let go of the upset?  I’m sure there are a dozen different techniques, but the most important thing is to value your health, happiness, and wellbeing so highly that you simply refuse to hold on to the disruptive and upsetting for more than a passing moment.

Just let it go.

Let it go.

After all, you’re upsetting the dog.

Love,

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Meet Denise: Denise Hedges is a Business Development Coach and Speaker Coach for small business owners who want to be more comfortable, confident, and successful with their sales and marketing efforts. She specializes in helping them use speaking as a way to dramatically improve their results

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