The Grateful Dog Project

Please join me in the Grateful Dog Project. It is very simple and might possibly even become a really great new habit if you practice it for even 5 or 10 minutes a day through the holiday season.

A few minutes a day with gratefulness literally can change your life. It changes the pattern of all those negative news feeds that end up spending too much time in our heads. It is a big wake up call to what we actually do have, all the good that is around us and how we actually react to anything and everything.

Grateful Like a Dog

Dogs tend to live their lives in the moment. They are not mad about what happened yesterday and they aren’t worried about what will happen tomorrow. Dogs tend to be happy about whatever is in front of them. It’s a great lesson.

Always looking for the good is a dog’s motto. Granted, their good sometimes may not be our good. Though there is some sort of happiness within ourselves when we see a dog get such joy out of carrying around one of our shoes as though it were a coveted prize.

Simplicity

Dogs keep it simple. The ebb and flow of our times have brought our society full circle. The 80’s and 90’s brought times of more is better. The 2000’s are bringing times of less is more. The Grateful Dog Project is about being thankful for all we already have.  And the more grateful we get it seems the more good happens.

“Where the mind dwells so goes our lives.”

The Grateful Dog Project 5 Minute Practice

•Write down all the things that you are grateful for.  First thing in the morning is the best time but anytime it works for you is a good time too.

•It doesn’t have to be a long list, just start.

•Each day you can add to the list.

•Read over the list (out loud is best) and give each one that moment of appreciation. In that moment. Think of nothing else. Like a dog. Wag. Smile. Shake all about. Whatever gives you that feeling. Thankful. Grateful.

•When you feel moments of overwhelm during these days of holiday splashed everywhere, say at least 3 of the things on your list in head to yourself. Then go back to what you were doing. It will feel better.

•Act like you are a dog. Have fun. In this very moment. Don’t dwell on yesterday and don’t worry about tomorrow. Do what is in front of you this very moment and do it with a wag.

•And last but not least on the list, have something good you’ve decided to do or think ready as your next thought to replace the overwhelm, the negative, or lack of focus. And if that seems to be difficult, you catch yourself criticizing, down on yourself, worried about money, or anything negative at all, here’s what to do:

•Say 3 things you are grateful for on your list. And if you don’t feel like it….

•Do it anyway. Say 3 things you are grateful for. Then go back to what you were doing.

It works. It will change your life. You will feel better. You’ll replace being upset about things with a happy disposition about life. It is the very simple things that usually bring us the biggest joy.

Please share your list or a portion of your list in the comments.  Reading grateful, brings more gratefulness.  Good is gonna happen.

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now!  Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter.   Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of  5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

 

10 Minutes to a New You

Quite the statement. 10 minutes to a new you. Sounds a bit like one of those click here now and you’ll make a million dollars by next month deals. But it’s not. In fact, this is something that is for real. It only takes a 10 minute effort daily and even better, it’s free.

The Habit Course

Last month I was inspired by Katie Tallo and an article she wrote called The Power of Baby Steps to participate in the Habit Course. I’m amazed at the results 10 minutes a day did for me.

First let me ask you how you start your day off?

Most likely a cup of coffee. Then immediately open the e-mail? Facebook? Or start running around in a crazed effort to get yourself organized and out of the house?

I can so relate. At least with the cup off coffee, e-mail and facebook part. It’s exactly what I did every day and until I decided to take on the habit of writing for 10 minutes every morning instead, I did not realize how this routine disrupted my focus, affected my energy for the entire day and filled my head with random thoughts that left me feeling far away from accomplishing anything.

Why 10 Minutes Changed My Whole Day

Doing what you say you are going to do is huge. When I first committed to this I found out what exactly I was doing with my time. I couldn’t believe the habit I had of opening up facebook. Basically a way to avoid what I needed to get done for the day.

Sometimes I think social media provides a way for us to look for direction in our day. We kid ourselves all the random thoughts and announcements are going to give us good ideas for the day. Be inspiring. Add to our motivation. Or we are actually living vicariously through these people we don’t even really know.  Or maybe it makes us feel better about ourselves by seeing what people consider to be something that should be announced to the world!

What I found was it actually confused me. My focus was lost. I could easily surf around, loose track of time and start rearranging my day because of lack of intent. Or I wouldn’t start a project because I had taken too long in the world of what everyone one else was randomly doing usually with no direction either.

When I started writing for 10 minutes first thing, right after a drinking a glass of water and making my cup of coffee, I noticed the difference in how my day started right away. As the days continued writing for 10 minutes each morning, I noticed I started getting a lot of other things done during the day. Things I would have normally put off or said in my head I’d do tomorrow.

I got clear about what I wanted to do every day, including play time. It’s turned into getting big projects done over a week’s time. It turned out that my energy and my focus was seriously effected by what I did in the first 10 minutes of my day.

I feel like I’m a new improved me all over starting the first 10 minutes of my day differently.

Choosing Your 10 Minutes to a New You

Pick something to focus on for the first 10 minutes after you get up.

Make it something that is good for you.

Yes drinking a glass of water is highly recommended but that’s a minute deal. Do that, make a cup of coffee or tea and pick something along these lines for the first 10 minutes of your day:

  • Take a 10 minute walk.
  • Do yoga.
  • Mediate.
  • Write in a personal journal.
  • Send a thank you note to someone new everyday.
  • For dog owners, take a walk with your dog.
  • Teach your dog a new trick for 10 minutes each day until you dog gets it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog actually learns with just a little bit of time spent on it each day.
  • Apply that same theory to yourself!
  • Plan your meals with eating colors in mind.
  • Read an inspirational quote. Then write your own version for the day.
  • Start the novel you’ve always wanted to write.
  • Write a love note to your husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend.
  • Write down 7 impossible things you’d like to come true before breakfast.
  • Say out loud all the things you are grateful for.
  • Write out the picture of your perfect day.

This is your life. Live it. Start with the first 10 minutes of everyday.

If you find this exercise difficult at first don’t feel bad.  Take note of the excuses you come up with in your head.

And then do what I learned works in starting a new habit and increasing the joy in your life.

Just freakin do it anyway. Whatever that thing you picked for 10 minutes is.

You’ll find it won’t be long and it actually becomes something you just do.

What is your new 10 minute start to every day? Leave it in the comments. Feel free to contact me for support for your intention and a boost in your “just do it anyway” and really get to the new you in 10 minutes a day.

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now!  Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter.   Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of  5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!


 

Kona Dog Training Gone Hawaii Style

Dogs are fun. They teach us lots of things if we take the time to spend with them.

Some of the things I like most, taught so very well by dogs are:

Give your attention to what is right in front of you.

Use what you have.

Be in the moment.

Wag over it.

Dogs are ones who do not dwell in the past and are not ruining their day today worrying about what may or may not happen tomorrow.

The one thing I hear around Kailua Kona is, “There really are not a lot of places or things to do with dogs here.” I’m sure I’d hear that same thing in many places on the mainland as well.

Not true.

But let me say that may mean finding new things to do with your dog if you are accustomed to dog parks or dog friendly events. It is true that many places don’t allow dogs on the Big Island. That being said, you’ll need to start creating it in places that may not at first come to mind, or may be an adventure in itself.

“Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it.”

J. Petit Senn

 

There are trails in the mountains and by the ocean on the Big Island. It’s an integral part of it’s majestic beauty. You can find them, hike them, walk them, run them or find a beach trail as a destination play adventure.

All you need is you, your dog, a leash, some poop bags, water and bowl. Make your own version of Nerd Fitness or create your own K9 Cross Fitness Workout. Get out and enjoy this Healing Island and spend some time with your dog.

 

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now!  Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter.   Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of  5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

Healing Properties of Pumpkins for You and Your Dog

Fall has arrived and with it comes one of my favorite holidays, Halloween. Time to harvest the pumpkins and carve them for decoration. Even better, cook with them because of their many healing properties.

The benefits of pumpkin to your health listed below make perfect reasons to carve a pumpkin using these free pumpkin stencils especially if you are a dog lover. You can use the insides of the carved pumpkin or cut a whole pumpkin into chunks to add to recipes for both you and the dog.

Make Spicy Pumpkin Soup for a healthy lunch or dinner or to take to a gathering. You’ll be asked for the recipe for certain.

Pumpkins grow here in Hawaii year round, I’m stoked about that.  But know that the canned version provides health benefits and can be found all 12 months of the year as well.  Just note that you should use can whole canned pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling as it has sugar and other additives your dog doesn’t need.

Pumpkin for Dogs

Bake these Pumpkin Dog Biscuits for a tail wagging treat that’s actually good for your dog’s health.  They make great holiday gifts and are perfect dog training treats high on the healthy scale.

Pumpkin has been used for both weight loss and to help with an upset stomach or diarrhea in dogs. To assist in weight loss cut the appropriate amount of dry dog food by 1/3 and add pumpkin to it.

*make sure it is not pumpkin pie mix as it contains sugar and other ingredients not good for your dog.

The recommended kibble serving size on the bag may be too much for your dog. Check Pet Obesity Prevention for help with recommended serving sizes.

For dog upset stomach or diarrhea substitute pumpkin and feed 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of food you would normally provide and add 2 or 3 tablespoons of pumpkin depending on the size of your dog.  Start with 1 tablespoon for small dogs.  Canned pumpkin is the easiest to feed when treating for these issues.

Use pumpkin seeds to assist in eliminating parasites.  Use a food processor to grind them into small pieces or even a paste and add to meals regularly.

Treatments and Health Benefits of Pumpkin for People

Having a yellowish-orange color, pumpkin is rich in anti-oxidants and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a vitamin that can be converted by the body into vitamin A. This helps the body in its process of regeneration, slowing down the aging process. Pumpkin pulp contains vitamins, especially pro-vitamin A, vitamins E and C, salts and minerals, carbon hydrates, and proteids. The seeds contain oil, proteids, resines and enzymes with antihelmintic properties. The pumpkin’s core contains lecithin, tyrosine, peporesine, phosphorus and vitamins B and A.

  • Pumpkin seeds contain the strongest therapeutic effects. These help in eliminating intestinal parasites, cleaning blood vessels, adjusting cholesterol level and stimulating kidney activity.
  • In treating cancer, leukemia, sclerosis, or various diseases which are hard to cure, pumpkin seeds have an energizing role.
  • Pumpkin oil extracted from the seeds is recommended for reducing excess cholesterol. Pumpkin offers protection against heart diseases by containing antioxidants.
  • The vegetable has a laxative action, being useful in case of dyspepsia and constipation. Fried pumpkin is healthy for those who suffer from heart diseases.
  • Pumpkin juice is indicated for ulcer and high acidity. It has to be drunk three times a day, half an hour before meals. It is also useful in cases of insomnia, having sedative properties.
  • Pumpkin is also indicated in cases of hormonal disorders or adolescent behavior, menopause disorder, intestinal parasites or sexual hyper-excitability.
  • In external use, pumpkin is recommended for treating burns, inflammations and abscesses. It softens the skin and diminishes the inflammatory processes of mucous.
  • A number of hydrating and anti-wrinkle creams contain pumpkin.

*credit Live and Feel for the reprinted medicinal information.

Though many of these symptoms and treatments are human related I believe the benefits to the health of dogs include many of the above properties as well.

Aloha Wags!

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspirational ideas to live a life well played with your dog.

Jt Clough has worked with dogs in many capacities for the past 16 years, she is an author and an athlete.

Jt has helped dogs and their people from training to healthy living and her latest inspiration is with Wonder Dog Fund, created to help pay veterinary bills for dogs that are in need of health care. When her own dog was riddled with a neck injury that came with a $12,000 fee, she realized how many people are faced with difficult decisions when a sudden injury or illness strikes their dog. A portion of every purchase from WonderDogGear.org goes to Wonder Dog Fund, providing financial relief for dog veterinary fees.

 



Pumpkin Dog Treat Biscuit Recipe

Pumpkins have amazing healthy qualities to them and are so much more than a holiday decoration carved for what many of us enjoy immensely, Halloween.

Pumpkin can help with your dog’s digestive system from constipation to diarrhea to urinary health and weight loss.

Carve a pumpkin as a greeting from your dog at the door using these free breed pumpkin carving stencils. And use what would have been waste to bake some healthy treats for your dog too.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Dog Treat Biscuits

Put the insides of the pumpkin you carved into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.  You can use any part other than the skin as the pumpkin ingredient for these dog treats.  If you are using the flesh of the vegetable cut into small chunks before putting in the blender or food processor.

If you don’t have a real pumpkin to use, canned is great, just make sure it is not the pie form which contains sugar and other ingredients not good for your dog.

  • 1 cup pumpkin
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup corn meal
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup water

Mix ingredients. The dough should be thick so add water last and cut back on the amount if your dough is not quite thick enough to roll.  Add flour and/or oats to thicken if dough is not stiff enough to roll.

Roll the dough to about 1/4″ thick.

Cut in squares or use a cookie cutter if you want to be super creative.

Place squares on on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 250 degrees for one hour on the middle rack.  They can brown easily so check them often to make sure they are not getting to dark and adjust the temperature.

After 1 hour turn the oven off and let the biscuits stand overnight.

Store at room temperature for a couple of weeks or put in the refrigerator for up to a month.

They make awesome gifts for dog lovers over the holidays and perfect dog training treats with low calories yet high on the healthy scale.

Get more pumpkin dog food + treats recipes here.

Aloha Wags!

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your best life for you and your dog!  Please Join my Inbox ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance  for more on dogs, natural remedies, recipes and things to do. Follow me on Twitter  and join my dog discussions on G+

Jt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people.  Her uncanny way of communication with both dogs and people is healing and her training is effective physically and emotionally. Her work at ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find and do that thing they’ve been talking about or wishing to happen for so long. She is a dog whisperer for our best friends and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication. Her latest publications are Treading for Dogs DVD, Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.


 

A Dog’s Approach To Ironman

The 2011 Ironman is now a wrap here in Kona. It was yet another year of triumphs in so many ways. There were roughly 1800 people who came across that finish line this year. Everyone from the pros to those with a triathlon lifestyle to those who are everyday moms and dads to people like Scott Rigsby, double amputee who got to hear those words, “You are an Ironman” lived their own triumphant day.

The Inspiring Accomplishment in Hawaii

Finishing an Ironman in Hawaii no matter who you are or what time you did it in is an accomplishment. For all those that finished or even attempted to finish the Ironman here in Kona this year…

  • Congratulations.
  • Great job.
  • You did well.
  • You learned something about yourself.
  • You will have gone on a journey that will live within you forever.
  • The memories will be of the journey’s accomplishment; not your Timex, or what spot you finished in.

Ironman Inspiration to A Better Place within Yourself

For many watching an Ironman is pure inspiration. It could be running a 5K to doing a shorter distance triathlon, a Half Ironman or even set your sights on completing an Ironman. It could be as simple as exercising every day, walking, yoga, a daily jaunt with the dog. The inspiration is yours to create.

The important thing in our lives is to have a something that inspires ourselves and in turn inspires others. That doesn’t mean think about it, wish you could do it, or hope to do it in the future. The time is now.

If you are thinking of committing to one of these things I encourage you to start today.

As inspiration coach of both people and dogs here are a few tips on getting started. Those with dogs will see this viewpoint clearly.  And those of you without dogs, start wagging your tail and playing every day as if you had dog recess playtime as one of your required job descriptions!

Training for a 5K, Triathlon or Ironman Like A Dog

First, dogs love to go.  Anywhere.  Any time.  Pick up the leash or a set of keys and the excitement to go comes out in a four legged dance with mad tail wagging on top of all of that.

Do your workout the same. Get a plan. Tons of places to find them, (training plans) but more importantly, decide what you are going to do for a workout in the morning. When you get up, act like the dog, like you can hardly wait to get out the door. It’s soooo exciting.

Get the leash, the keys (shoes, swim suit, bike, or even the dog) and get out the door. As a habit. Wag about it.

It won’t be long and you WILL begin to feel that way.  Really.

Forget about a watch and how fast you are going at whatever specific exercise you are doing. At least at first. Just go. And pretend to be the dog while you go. Wag at each and every little thing. Be grateful for the day and the fact that you get to go out and move.

If people like Scott Rigsby can do it. So can you.

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now!  Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter.   Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironamn finisher, author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

Aloha Wags!

 

Too Old For the Gaga Look?

I don’t watch tv much. In fact I didn’t have one for 8 months. It was really awesome. However, my husband loves tv and since I do my thing and spend time writing and reading, the type of activity he doesn’t really participate with me in, he got a tv for himself.

I’m really glad we have a home that has an ohana as it’s called here in Hawaii (a place for friends and family to stay seperate from our general living area). That’s where the tv is conveniently located, in my opinion anyway.  I don’t have to hear it or watch unless I choose to do so. Which is very rarely. Tonight was one of those nights. I watched The X Factor (like American Idol) with my husband. The artist aspect was intriguing.

The Gaga Factor

A 21 year old petite girl got on stage, wearing a colorful strappy dress slit up the side. Black bikini peaking out. High boots. Hair bleached. Bright eye make up. Red lips. Artful tattoo crawling down her arm.

When asked what she did with her life besides sing, she said she was an auto mechanic and planned on building race cars.

She preceded to let her voice rip and she rhythmically moved about the stage. She acted like a pro. She was confident. She had her look. She was doing her thing. She engaged the live audience. She engaged me. She was showing who she is. She had her own style.

It was different than Lady Gaga but the idea was there. She had her own thing going about the way she looked, and what she’s choosing to do with her life.

It made me think about my “looks” throughout various life stages. I’ve always had my own sort of “look”. But the thing that struck me tonight was that as age happens is it just expected that we calm down the look? Become more like the norm, whatever that is?

Am I too old for the Gaga look?

Lucky for me at 47 I’ve decided I’m not. But for a few years I was living like I was.

I realize I had become much more conservative. I started fitting in. Looking like everyone else.

For me the move to Hawaii changed my wardrobe drastically. First of all, I got rid of most of it. The things I do wear now, I wear because I want to and it works with the weather. Most days I wear short shorts, short skirts, big hoop earrings. I started wearing eye liner again because I like it. I wear a bikini most days. I have some really cool necklaces that were all tangled up before I moved. I straighten them out, kept the cool ones and now I wear them again. I like whimsical.

This is Your Life. Wear What You Want.

I don’t have that many things any more but they are different and I realized watching the show that ThIs Is My Life, wear what I want.

What’s your Gaga look?

Are you hiding behind what you think everyone else thinks you are supposed to wear?

Are you sporting a certain look because everyone around you decided it was this year’s fashion statement? 

Do you think it’s ok to wear short skirts at almost 50?

Can you be a minimalist and have your Gaga look? I say yes, how about you?

Thanks for reading.  My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now!  Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter.   Retweets are cool too.

 

1 … 10 11 12 13 14