Talk to Yourself Like Your Dog │ Joan of Bark

There is a saying that goes something like this: if you talked to yourself the way you talk to your dog, you would feel so much more loved. I heard it once and it sat with me. Because honestly, have you ever paid attention to the things you say to your dog? The tone? The warmth? If talking to yourself like you talk to your dog could change how you feel, then Benji has been teaching me something important all along.

What Would You Actually Say?

Think about what comes out of your mouth when your dog trots up to you. For me it is things like, hey lovey, do you want to go for ice cream, want a nice belly rub, you are the best thing that ever happened to me. Zero sarcasm. Zero criticism. Just pure, ridiculous, unconditional love.

Now think about the last thing you said to yourself when you were stressed, tired, or just having a hard day. Different energy, right?

What if you tried the other version? What if, the next time you were struggling, you said to yourself: do you need a snack? How about a little rest? Want a toebean massage? (Okay, that last one is for Benji specifically, but you get the idea.)

Benji Looks at Me Like I Am Everything

I am not exaggerating when I say Benji stares at me like I hung the moon. I can have a terrible day. I can look like I have not slept in a week. I can be pacing around convinced everything is falling apart, and that sweet dog will look at me like I am the most magnificent creature he has ever seen.

I actually said out loud to him once: if a man looked at me the way you do, I would feel so loved. And then I stopped, because I realized, I do feel loved. He is right there doing it every single day.

I wrote a whole other post about Benji’s stares because they genuinely make me feel better. There is something in that worth paying attention to.

The Heavy Sigh

You know the one. When Benji has had a good day, a good meal, a good cuddle session, he settles in and lets out this long, slow, satisfied sigh. His whole body relaxes. He is completely at peace.

Try it. Seriously. Right now if you want. Take a breath in and let it out, slow and heavy, just like him. I promise you will feel at least a little better.

That is the whole practice, really. Notice the way you speak to yourself. Swap in a little of the warmth you give your dog. Let yourself sigh it out. It sounds small but it adds up.

Your Challenge for This Week

Talk to yourself like you talk to your dog. At least once a day. When you catch yourself being hard on yourself, ask: would I say that to Benji? If the answer is no, try again with a softer voice.

You deserve the same love you give without even thinking about it. Benji already knows that. He is just waiting for you to catch up.

FTC DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. Joan of Bark may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.