Obstacle - ob·sta·cle, noun, something that obstructs or hinders progress.
We all run into them. Big and small. They try to stop us from doing what we want to do; from going where we want to go.
How we handle obstacles says a lot about who we are. For some, they're a reason to quit, a convenient excuse. For others, they're simply something to be gone over, under, around or through.
Any way you can.
Those of you who have been with me for a few months know we have a new family member, a little Jack Russell terrier named Sophie. Sophie has her own way of dealing with obstacles.
Sophie loves to go on long walks. Perhaps that's not the correct phrase since these outings involve a lot more stopping and sniffing than actual walking, but you know what I mean. Sophie spends a considerable amount of time checking the canine message boards located on most trees, sign posts, and fire hydrants, and leaving her replies. Rather like reading a blog and leaving a comment.
But Sophie has a small problem. She's...well...small.
A number of the messages she wants to respond to have obviously been posted by much taller dogs. These message boards seem to be a couple feet off the ground, where as Sophie's...um...message generator is only at about six inches.
A lesser dog might be discouraged or even limit herself to responding to messages on the lower boards.
Not Sophie.
When confronted with this small issue of height, Sophie turns into:
Acrobat Dog!
She simply executes a perfect handstand on her front paws and holds it until her message is sent. And then we move on.
Although not perfectly clear in these pictures, I assure you Sophie does not cheat by bracing one rear foot against the tree, post, hydrant, etc. She stands there perfectly balanced as long as she needs to.
I'd like to say I handle all the obstacles that come into my life with such style and grace, but it just wouldn't be true.
I've never been able to do a handstand either.
How about you? How do you handle life's little obstacles?
Have a great weekend.
Groaner of the Day: (it's a visual)
Think about it.
Sophie cracks me up! Do you laugh a lot during these walks?
ReplyDeleteRegarding the groaner - hmmm. Bounty paper towels?
That's adorable - and so clever!
ReplyDeleteLove the title of your post today, LD.
Now that's territorial.
ReplyDeleteShe might have a little trouble topping Tank's range. But you can't fault her tenacity.
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly she surveyed your domain and made it her own.
Hilarious groaner and cute too!
ReplyDeleteI've never been able to stand on my head, I barely make it on my feet. lol
I try to look at obstacles as teachable moments, after I pitch a fit and cry. :)
Get that dog a job in the circus!
ReplyDeleteStacy - First time she did that I almost fell over.
ReplyDeleteAw, you gave away the groaner. Yup, you got it.
Diane - Thanks. Where there's a will and all that.
ReplyDeleteMaria - Might be interesting to see how she'd handle a Tank message. From what I've seen so far, she's probably just climb the tree. And Sophie's domain seems to include a two mile circle (everywhere we walk).
ReplyDeleteJessica - Thanks. I try to look at obstacles as challenges. Of course, some are a bit more daunting than others.
ReplyDeleteAlex - She got the skills but unfortunately she not big on commands.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Sophie is obviously a genius. She really knows how to work a problem.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is just fantastic! I love it! :)
ReplyDeletePerfect Friday post! I should take lessons from Sophie - she rocks!
ReplyDeleteLove the groaner :)
Happy Weekend!
Loving Sophie more and more. I mean, come on, if a person needs a little inspiration to check out a challenge with a different perspective, they should be directed to this blog. I would say they should follow you on a walk but they could end up paper sprayed, sprawled on the ground with a Sophie special message to top it all off. lol!!!
ReplyDeleteLinda G - I think I'm going to take lesson from her. :-)
ReplyDeletePatty - Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCarol - That's funny. I answered an earlier comment saying I needed to take lessons from Sophie. Maybe we should form a class.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend to you, too.
Angela - If we had followers on our walk we'd never leave the driveway. Sophie is very big on being adored and would spend the whole time playing to her fans.
ReplyDeleteSophie is priceless! And ingenius! And talented! You must get a lot of looks on your walks! :)
ReplyDeleteJemi - She is. She is. She is. And we do. :-)
ReplyDeleteUm, that dog is amazing. Hilarious and very goal-oriented, but amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love her style! She tackles obstacles with panache. :)
ReplyDeleteLydia - She's an intertesting girl. Scared to death of a lot of things and fierce as a tiger with others.
ReplyDeleteCate - That's our Sophie.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post. Reading about Sophie reminded me of the walks I used to take with a little dog, much smaller that Sophie, and she would tire out after a block or so. When my grandson, who was about 3 at the time, walked with us, he would ask why Bunny became a rug halfway down the street. Still makes me smile to think of it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I loved your groaner. Got it right away, but that may be because I have a cat who is a Bounty hunter and a Charmin hunter. LOL
Love the story about Bunny. When we were looking for a new family member, I told by husband I just wanted someone small enough for me to pick up. Our old boy Chance was a basset hound and one day he lay down in the middle of his walk (about a half mile from the house) and couldn't get up. And I couldn't lift him. I don't ever want to be in that position again.
ReplyDeleteWow, she needs to be in Cirque de Solei. Ha! To get past the little obstacles, I dig in and work work work.
ReplyDeleteElana - No, I'm afraid she has a one trick limit.
ReplyDeleteAnd work work work is usually the best answer.
that was too funny! that also shows what a spunky B she is! hilarious!
ReplyDeleteand obstacles are mere challenges to make me slow down and learn something!