Rain drops keep falling on my head. Literally. It’s been pretty rainy and dreary around here lately. Enough that it’s getting to my head a little. I don’t know why I let it happen, but suddenly and seemingly randomly I’m overcome with a feeling I prefer to avoid. I feel sad. Blue like the sky isn’t. Downright bummed out.
And it hurts. I am the dog who finds joy in people places and things. I can’t be letting a few dreary days get to me. That’s when I remembered this trick I’ve heard mom talk about a few times. It’s a game she plays with her mind and wins with her heart. Perspective. From the ground up, it’s a pretty powerful thing. 
When you are encountered with a sticky situation (be it emotional or otherwise) think about the worst possible thing that could happen, she says. Nine times out of ten that worst case scenario will be so far out of the realm of possibility it is destined to bring relief to your soul.
It’s a good idea to be sure. So many terrible things could have happened today. Someone could have knocked down one of those candles mom lights all over the house and the house could have burned down. Carter could have gotten hurt, or sick, or worse. I could have gotten into an altercation with the neighbor dog on my walk.
I think it’s great that mom loves her new job in the news business, but I personally am in the business of ignoring news. Today I caught some news by accident and got my answer to the question of what the worst possible thing would be to happen today. Stories of tornados wiping out whole cities and local moms dying after bouts of cancer and a teenager who was arrested after police got word of his detailed plot to kill his parents and school mates. These are real things that happened in the world today.
Meanwhile, I’m cozy and comfortable in the comfort of my forever home. I had food in my dish and water in my bowl. I have my toys and my health and my people. And, as usual, I had more love thrown my way than I could possibly catch. Rain drops keep falling on my head. Which, I’m not going to lie, is getting a little annoying. But there is a silver lining in even the worst case scenario. Perspective. From the ground up, it’s a pretty powerful thing.
Wiley's Wisdom 
I’ve used that ‘worst possible thing’ scenario sometimes when I’ve been worried – and you usually find it’s never that bad…
You’re exactly right. Well said, friend!
Reminds me a little of the song “Pennies from Heaven where we are reminded that if things were good all the time, we would not appreciate them. The rain will end and pretty soon you will surrounded by sunshine, greenery, birds, and all kinds of neat things. And you can watch Carter’s expression as he takes this all in. Won’t that be something??
What a good reminder! I love that song “Pennies from Heaven.” Indeed – you are on to something about dear baby Carter. He is starting to seriously and sincerely investigate the world around him. Everything from his feet to a crumpled piece of paper is absolutely fascinating to him. It’s kind of inspiring actually, to see him find such joy in such little things.
Lots of love,
Wiles
I like that worst-possible-thing-strategy, Wiles. Mom’s mom used to say, “When you feel sad that you have no shoes, think about the man who has no feet.” I like to remember, “Without a little rain, how would we get MUD?” Mud! Yay!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Wow, that mom of yours sure knows what’s up. Good for her, and you, for employing such wisdom in your lives!
Lots of love to you both,
Wiles
Sigh. The news has not been too great lately, huh? Do cheer up, Wiley! You are looking mahveluz though!
Indeed. The news isn’t always good. More often than not, it’s even bad. But we move on, boats against the current. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words!
Lots of love,
Wiles
There is alwasy someone worse off than you , so practice gratitude and be grateful for hte wonderful things you do have.You are a great dog Wiles and even happy and joyful people or dogs can feel a little blue sometimes.
This is true, on every (albeit occasionally painful) way. Lots of love.
Wiles
We need the rain, and we need to be grateful for the memories of sunshine to help us through those rainy times. I think the next time the rain gets me down, I’ll tell myself I don’t have to listen to the news that day. That will ease things a bit. 🙂
That will indeed! Good thinking!