The Positive Dog: A Story About the Power of Positivity

Take a Thank-You Walk

The next morning as Bubba and Matt walked around the yard, Bubba explained that it's not just humorous thoughts that feed our positive dog. We can also feed the positive dog inside us with thoughts of gratitude and appreciation.

“One of my favorite things to do is practice gratitude while taking my morning walk. I call it a thank-you walk, and ever since I've been doing it I've become more positive,” said Bubba.

“How do you do it?” Matt asked.

“It's really simple, little buddy. While you are walking you just think of all the things that you are thankful for. You think of all the positive things about your life.”

“So, right now I shouldn't be thinking about how this walk would be a whole lot better if I was with a boy who considered me his family dog?” Matt asked.

“No, no, no, you shouldn't,” Bubba answered. “You don't want to start your day thinking about what you don't have and don't like. That only feeds the negative dog. You want to start your day thinking about what is good in your life, what you are thankful for, what you appreciate.”

“Like what?” Matt asked as he tried to think of something that was good in his life.

“Well, I think of the fact that I was able to escape from a burning house and of how thankful I am to be alive. Of course, I miss my home and I miss the family I had, but I try to cherish what I have rather than think about what I don't. I give thanks for being alive, for being able to walk, for the ability to smell beautiful flowers and ...