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Wag More, Bark Less

I love bumper stickers. I’d probably have my car covered with them if it weren’t for my husband who finds them abhorrent. So I enjoy bumper wisdom wherever I find it and occasional I see a bumper sticker that just resonates. This was one of them:

Wag More,
Bark Less.

It was just a little black and white square stuck to the back of a non-descript little old beat up car, and I just stared at it. It took me a moment to get it. I was like, Wag what? Then I got it. And I smiled. And I loved it. So this has become my mantra of late. Like right now, I could be complaining about the fact that my husband drank the last of the milk and I am having to try and write while drinking a rice milk latte, but I won’t. Okay, maybe a little because I don’t like rice milk and now my latte tastes like, well, rice.

So onto more wagging–it can change your outlook. Stop yourself before you bark at the kids, the DH (except if he drank the last of the milk and you are stuck drinking a rice milk latte), at the person in the car ahead of you who is driving anyway but the right way, the agonizingly slow checker at the grocery store and consider how you can wag rather than bark. I’ve been doing a little more hugging around the house, getting down on my knees so I look eye to eye to Matthew, and just smiling a little more. At complete strangers. It really isn’t that hard, and think about it, it works for cute dogs, old dogs, ugly ones, ones that don’t even have tails–when they wag, they just look so much more, well like man’s best friend. Wag more and see if you can make your bit of the world a little better.

Oh, and even rice milk can grow on you. You know if you give it a chance, a rice milk latte has sort of nutty flavor to it that is quite nice.

When do you bark? How can you wag more?

10 comments to “Wag More, Bark Less”

  1. gillian
    October 3rd, 2007 at 5:18 am · Link

    I start to bark about 4:45 pm, when it’s becoming apparent I’m only going to get half of my “to-do” list done, or around 8 o’clock, when I still haven’t found time to sit down and write.

    But wagging makes for a better night’s sleep, no doubt.



  2. Christina Arbini
    October 3rd, 2007 at 8:04 am · Link

    Okay, I admit I was barking a little more than necessary during my commuting drives in to work the last several days. Already in a bad mood knowing that if I took the bus as I should be (much cheaper) I’d be 20 minutes late getting into the office AND have to stand in a packed bus the entire way. So, I’ve been choosing to drive in and pay the $14 a day “early bird” price to park in the city. Not to mention the price of gas. Take all of this and add to it that I don’t get my first cup of coffee until I get into the office, and you’ve got one cranky Christina. Then, add stupid drivers to the mix and all hell breaks loose. LOL! So, long story short, I need to wag more behind the wheel — or to be on the safe side, everyone just make sure you aren’t in front of me on I-90 heading West into the city in the mornings. LOL!

    Christina



  3. joey
    October 3rd, 2007 at 9:07 am · Link

    I think my son is slowing teaching me how to wag more. Oh, totally agree about the rice milk! Lol… I hope you’re enjoying your expresso machine!



  4. Keira Soleore
    October 3rd, 2007 at 11:15 am · Link

    Lately, I’ve been barking more than wagging in the late afternoons and evenings. My daily migraines have become a constant strong pain. The only distraction is reading, blogs and boards. Dealing with people is beyond me. I should try to take a deep breath before talking each time. That’ll help me in wagging more than barking.



  5. Haven Rich
    October 3rd, 2007 at 12:11 pm · Link

    I agree Keira, it’s hard to wag when you don’t feel good, which lately has been my issue as well.

    You just have to remember to smile at the little things and try to ignore the big stuff…least till you’re feeling better. That way when you do face it, you can face it with a kinder heart.

    Great topic Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing.



  6. Keira Soleore
    October 3rd, 2007 at 12:36 pm · Link

    Haven, I like that term “kinder heart.” I haven’t been too kind lately.



  7. Elizabeth
    October 3rd, 2007 at 5:43 pm · Link

    I know when life gets frustrating it is so easy to just bark and whine, but reallly, wagging more seems to make more sense,. And you don’t end the day grinding your teeth. As for the migraines– I feel your pain. Try to smile through it, if it’s possible.



  8. Keira Soleore
    October 3rd, 2007 at 6:16 pm · Link

    The grinding of teeth probably worsens said migraines. After posting here earlier today, I did try that seriously. And….my day is going so much better. Thanks, Elizabeth!

    Wag the Keira!



  9. Erin Eisenberg
    October 3rd, 2007 at 8:32 pm · Link

    It’s really hard not to bark at my students some days. But then they say something, and you can’t help but wag for the rest of the day just thinking about it.



  10. Kelli Estes
    October 3rd, 2007 at 10:56 pm · Link

    Another thing to consider is that wags are contagious. I’ve been barking a lot at my kids lately and it makes them bark back. The other day when my son was whining about something, instead of barking I sat down, pulled him onto my lap for a big hug, told him I loved him, then addressed his concern in a calm voice. I was shocked when his attitude completely changed. He was wagging for a good hour after that!

    Bumper stickers can be so wise. Who knew?







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