Are you someone who is hard on yourself? Expect a lot and it is hard to live up to your expectations? My guess is at least some of you feel like this once in awhile or even often.

One time in a grocery store I was practicing with Emma. I was practicing her positioning and her taking time to look at me (eye contact) rather than only look ahead and ignore me. I kept saying "good girl Emma", "that a girl" and used the word tick (her substitute for an actual clickeer used in training".

A woman was staring at us puzzled as she came around the corner. I think she wasn't sure what I was doing. I told her simply I was working on training the dog. She looked so sad and said "I wish I got that much affirmation".

I recall her sad and overwhelmed look. I think I have had those kind of days. With my battle with MS it is easy to call myself lazy if I don't get much done. Today at a session with our Drs. talking on how MS is impacted by heat. It reminded me what I should remember - MS is worse in heat even just in and out of a car. Even in the house which is airconditioned. So why do I feel so bad when I don't get enough done in my eyes or need an extra nap?

All of us can think about how I work with Emma. She gets affirmation from me so much throughout the day. Some days I use treats off and on but she does really well with verbal praise too. Her tail wags away when I say "you are my great dog". or when i pet her, cuddle her, play with her. I never hesitate to praise her for all the things she does right in a day. I even reward her with stroking when she will curl up and nap with me.

Yet, it is a bit of a challenge to be that nice to myself. I know others with MS with the same struggle especially due to fatigue of MS. My guess is many without MS have the same struggles. Those who deal with illness, busy families, singles trying to manage it all alone - there are so many challenges. I think we need to give ourselves a break.
It is something I am working on.

I am quick to give compliments to others but not much to do so to myself. So I invite you to join Emma and I today. Take today and really tell yourself how special you are, take pride in your accomplishments even if they seem small to you, be proud of the giving caring person that you are. Really think about it today.

Need help? Watch your pet if you have a dog especially. I noticed this afternoon when thinking about it how happy I make Emma. A simple pat on the head, feeding her, taking her outdoors, she was delighted. I think she is the greatest but her body language and behavior tells me she thinks the same of me.

With or without a pet - Emma and I want you to think about how special you are today. As we struggle to handle food costs, gas prices, and other concerns we need to take time to pat ourselves on the back just for making it through the day!!!

Emma helped me make it through the day. We had counseling (bet you can tell what I am working on ha ha), went and heard Dr. Calkwood and Dr. Schapiro speak and met a friend there. Home to nap and a quiet night at home. Emma did great all day.

Here's hoping that today or whenever you read this you will take time to treat yourself well. Be kind in your thoughts, take a walk, do something you enjoy, call a friend,
take extra play time with your dog. Do whatever helps you treat yourself well today.

I appreciate your reading our blog,
Wishing you a good day

Emma and Mary

No I got it wrong again

The pack was off today and she acted as if it was on - I better go to bed. My cognitive skills go down hill at night.

I mean Emma acted like she was on duty with her pack ON>

When it is OFF at home it usually means play time. Also I didn't mean for sad emotions at the end of the blog if that is displayed.

Emma and I went to the YMCA today. In my haste to get ready I forgot to put on her Helping Paws jacket/uniform/pack. She was so well behaved I didn't notice till my friends saw her at the YMCA. They thought I was being nice since it was so hot. No indeed I just forgot. Emma I am proud to say acted exactly as when it is off. She knows when she is on duty and did a great job today.

Lunch we stopped at a subway. I explained that it was a helping dog and I have been there before so they let her in. They commented on how well behaved she was there.

Water exercise now starts at noon though I get picked up close to 11. The day just flew by today. Tonight I made some political calls. Either no one was home or they saw it was not from anyone they knew and did not pick up the phone. Those I talked to were very nice. I explain it will take about 30 seconds and I have only 5 questions. I am polite no matter what there response. Yes a few refused to talk.

I know political calls can seem bothersome but I also know they can help get information out to people about the candidates. In this case I am not trying to persuade anyone just collecting data.
Those who feel strongly about one candidate or another often are enthusiastic about sharing their opinion. They can also share what issue(s) they think are most important this election.

Emma and I had fun playing outside. Though when it is this hot out we move indoor with our play time. She really helped me as I dropped more things than usual today. She is so eager to pick up things or bring things to me that it really helps me out. Especially today.

Right now she is ready to go outside and then we will play before bed. I hope if you get a political call you will realize the person behind the phone is likely a volunteer just trying to help out and be polite. I don't mind if people refuse but it sure is night if like tonight they were polite. One lady even said "I won't answer but I wish you good lluck in your calling".

Hope you have a good day. Tomorrow is my wonderful daughter-in-law's birthday. Happy Birthday to Tia. I love you so much.

Take care all, Emma and Mary

Emma and I enjoyed being at home. We worked on laundry. I am trying to sort through some things to donate or toss. That is a job but worth working on. I am slow as a turtle so that and regular laundry filled up the day. I also took time to read.

Emma really had fun playing with a toy she had in the basement and hadn't played with for awhile. Oh the fun of that. She sure wants to be by my side at all times. Today outside I had to encourage her to run and romp and not just lay by me. Normally she runs the yard, looks for bunnies and also plays with toys. Maybe she felt more like being quiet today?

Even the phone has been so quiet today. Emma was good company for me. She enjoys time with me but I am glad tomorrow we will go to water exercise and get out of the house. That will be fun. Today, I missed being able to drive. I had a few errands I would like to have done but of course they can wait.

Off to watch the news and finish up with some clothes sorting. I keep telling myself how good I will feel when it is done...

Hope your week goes well.

Emma and Mary