I need your help.
I didn’t realize it until recently when I spent almost three hours staring at a blank screen while the little flashing cursor laughed in my face. Writer’s block happens to dogs too. And (as is usually the case in matters of stubbornness), the answer to my troubles seemed obvious. Yet it also somehow seemed impossible. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I couldn’t bring myself to ask for help.
Instead I kept having that same internal conversation – they will think less of me the weak little doggie with writer’s block. They will think I’m giving up. And (worst of all) they will be disappointed in me.
Ironically, I’ve always thought asking for help seemed like such an easy thing to do. It’s always seemed like such an easy thing to do. And (unless you’re Superman or Wonder Woman) it is generally necessary. It’s one thing to be the little engine that could, but even that special little engine needs to stop for gas every now and then. It made perfect sense to me.
Then the last seven months of blogging happened and changed everything. I set out to share my perspective on joy from the ground up. But (as the little flashing cursor mocked me) I realized never did I say the stories I share need only be mine. Like most dogs, I live a simple life in which I enjoy simple pleasures. So do a lot of people. We have this foundation in common, but the design from there differs by life experience.
So today I paws to ask for your help. For your ideas. For your stories. Please, share them with me so I can share my perspective on them with the world.
Because sometimes no matter how hard it tries the little engine that could just can’t. That’s why there are stations along the journey to rest and refuel. In life we all need to stop and refuel every now and then to keep delivering our best to the world. It’s never easy to admit, especially for those who thrive on being miracle workers. But it doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t make you any less of a person. It doesn’t mean you’re giving up. Quite the opposite in fact. You’re breathing new life into a tried and true perspective. I would argue that makes you stronger than ever.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Oh Wiley it happens to all great puppy writer’s! You could always ask for a guest blogger! Woooowooooo, Ku
I should do that! Want to do a guest blog, dear Ku? 🙂
Oh Wiley that would so much fun! What should I write about? Woooowooooooooo!
Yay!!!! It would be super duper if you could write about something (anything) that brings you joy from the ground up!
Coooowooowoooool! Ok, I will work on it! Mama found your email so she will send you what I come up with. So sleepy now…Mama gave me the bestest massage! Good night dear Wiley buddy! Wooooooo, Ku
I’m so excited to see what you and Mama come up with! Lots of love to you and that Mama of yours. 🙂
Can Wiley comment on how to deal with an neighbor who is a drunk and has started a feud with you?
I sure can!!!! Thanks for the idea. 😉
Thank you for the idea – it came in handy yesterday. 😉
Things I like to read about: (1) very small items, (2) lists, anything from mottos to grocery lists, (3) small happy news stories that didn’t get much/any coverage. 🙂 Do any of those spark an idea? 🙂 There’s also how to posts… those are fun!
Asking for help is, indeed, one of the strongest things a pup can do! 🙂
Thank you so much for your ideas! I think I can find some inspiration in 1) very small items, 2) lists and 3) deserving news stories! Thank you also for your encouragement. 🙂
Tip: I was surprised that daily prompts triggerede so many memories and opinions, inspirimg a post when my mind was blank. However I would love to share stories on your warm, wonderful blog.
pick one recent one or consider my dog stories about some of your crazy cousins
.
http://themotherofnine9.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/my-dog-is-brilliant-enough-to-act-dumb/
http://themotherofnine9.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/the-foxy-fox-and-the-dumb-dog/
http://themotherofnine9.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/well-loved-animals/
http://themotherofnine9.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/menagerie-surrounded/
http://themotherofnine9.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/do-you-believe-that-children-need-to-bond-with-animals/
Dearest Melanie,
Wow. I am again humbled by all you do. I will take you up on this offer and let you know ahead of time when I do. Thank you for being you (which is pretty special to me!)
Lots of love,
Wiley
love and prayers
I like to read about all things, a walk with an adventure or even without, how you spend your day, what food you like or what not, just all about your daily life . I’m a curious Weimaraner :o)
I love your curiosity dear brother! All things ordinary are extraordinary in our worlds, aren’t they? Thank you for your suggestions…I am keeping this post handy for reference the next time I’m struggling for words. 🙂
Dear Wyles, I wrote about you today and, although I linked to Wiley’s Wisdom, I’m not sure you got notified. I wrote before you asked for help because you have been of such help to me when I succumbed to Summer’s Sloth. I could come here and read your thoughts for the day and it would spark a comment from me – it might be the only thing I wrote that day. It hits all of us, Wyles. Three hours must have seemed an eternity in dog’s time. Do you go for walks around your neighborhood? Each of those houses contains lives and stories – remember, we were just talking about witnessing someone – how about going out and observing those neighbors of yours – if you don’t know, you could try guessing or, heck, Wyles, go wild and make up stories – try a paw at fiction. In the meantime, come and see how you impact others. Love HuntMode, Ella & Elby
Here’s the post: http://chasingrabbitholes.com/2013/08/02/chatting-with-friends-illuminating-moments/
Dear HuntMode,
I am humbled by your reference to me on your blog. Your words warmed my heart and brought joy to my soul, as well as that of my forever parents. They obviously love me a whole lot, but hearing something like this is so special to all of us.
Thank you also for your ideas…I do take walks around the neighborhood (sometimes without my people which they don’t particularly enjoy). You are absolutely right about being a present witness to all of the lives and stories all around me. What a neat suggestion!
Yours in sincerest gratitude,
Wyles
My word, Wyles – so formal! You are most deservedly welcome, dear dog.
Lots of love and hugs to you. 🙂
I loved staying with Victoria when Mom had surgery. When I saw her again last week, I gave her kisses, but then ran to Mom and stayed close, so Victoria wouldn’t take me to her house and keep me again. Maybe you can write about the different kinds of love…..
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Dear Cupcake,
I knew you’d have a great idea for me and you definitely did not disappoint! I will indeed write about different kinds of love very soon!
Thank you for your words, your support and your friendship!
Lots of love,
Wiley
Wiley, The Red Man admires your commitment to a post a day keeps the vet away, but that’s a pretty tall order.and maybe you need to relax your schedule some now that you know you CAN do it. Take a break for a couple of days and then see what happens. Or, you can always follow Papa Hemingway’s lead and turn to booze and bitches for inspiration…:)
Oh yes. Papa Hemingway. What a brilliant writer with such an interesting sources of inspiration. 🙂 Thank you for your suggestion to take a break….I just don’t think I can. I made a commitment and in reality I’m well over halfway to keeping to it. I can’t give up now. 😉
I’ve had quite a similar issue asking for help in the past. Simple isn’t always easy, eh?
I love to read about discovering things that one has always/usually overlooks.
Loving you always,
Kiera
Dear Kiera! It’s been a while since we’ve spoken! So nice to hear from you again!!!
You’re exactly right – simple isn’t always easy! You’d think it would be, but complicated sure has a way of creeping in and confusing things.
I too love adventure and the discovery that accompanies it! Thanks for the suggestion – I will be on the lookout for something overlooked. Stay tuned!
Lots of love to you,
Wiley
I am proud of you! To ask for help takes guts. I know, I am as stubborn as you when it comes to asking for help. Something will happen and off you go again dear friend. Take five my friend. Trompie love to you.
Ohhhh! I love Trompie love! 🙂
I realized a couple things after I asked for help –
1) I’ve got a pretty swell support team with really great ideas
2) I’m being stubborn in my 365 day journey
3) (Most importantly) I don’t want to give up.
Thank you for being a reminder of these things dear friend.
Lots of love to you!
Wiles
WIley-it takes courage to ask for help and all writers stumble-it is part of the job
At Little Dogs Laughed we would love to hear more about your everyday life-we like to read lists too. And we always enjoy looking at pictures of our K9 friends-and do not forget to just relax and look around-it is amazing the inspiration that often is right underneath our cold noses! Be well Wiley! We look forward to seeing what you come up with-
I suppose you’re right about that…and though I hated doing it I have to admit asking for help has turned out to be such a positive thing for me thanks to fellow bloggers like yourself. Thank you for your ideas! Keep ’em coming! 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
When in doubt, bite somebody !
Or chew the legs off the table, that always gets attention. In the meantime, wee woofer … go roaming. Out at night, stare at the moon (howl at the bugger is even better); find yourself a foxie doxie or live dangerously—be seen in public with a cat. get ’em talking, about you if not to you.
Failing any of that, bury your muzzle in someone’s coffee …
Well hello new friend! You are full of all kinds of fabulously exciting (and mischievous) ideas! Thank you, not only for your great thoughts, but for stopping by. I hope to see more of you and your fun bouts of mischief soon!!!
-Wiley
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Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
This still happens from time to time, but I beat on. 🙂