Is your collar choking you??
So here is my story:
Several years ago, when Nancy and I were attending a conference, a woman approached us during a break. She began telling Nancy about her background in dog training and her level of expertise. She also divulged that she really like dogs and she especially like me. Nancy in her usual polite manner thanked her for her compliment and was ready to end the conversation, but the woman continued. “If you ever need someone to take care of him (meaning me) please give me a call.” Once again Nancy was ready to end the discussion, but the woman once again continued. “Though you will need to get him a choke collar.” In response Nancy turned on her heels and said, “Thank you very much for the offer, but since Alex is my Medical Alert Service dog, he is with me 24/7.
What the woman didn’t understand was that in my training as a Medical Alert dog Nancy and I worked on building a deep connection where my insights and observations were valued, appreciated, and even acted on sometimes when Nancy didn’t see what I was sensing. Trust was and is at the heart of our partnership. This is not a relationship of control, but a relationship of love and gratitude.
I think all good relationships are built on trust. They are not about controlling the ‘other’ but rather finding the connection or agreement point and valuing what each brings to the relationship. This kind of genuine relationship can fill you with love and joy.
Why?
The power of a true connection can help you reconnect with your authentic self and heal, while the lack of it is disheartening and sometimes depressing.
I have never worn a choke collar because Nancy’s and my relationship has never been about Nancy controlling me. Why? That would rein me in and rob me of the ability to read the situation accurately and subsequently give her the information she needs to prevent herself from going into an Addison’s Crises.
Yes, she did and does make sure that I followed social protocol, but even then, it is about informing not controlling.
Have you ever thought about how the quality of your relationships affects your whole life? Are you currently in a relationship that constrains your behavior, reduces the joy in your life or prevents you from being whole? Would you like to shed that choke collar? Would you like to feel more connected to life and your authentic nature?
Have you ever thought about which of your relationships are based on trust and which are based controlling or manipulation? How do each of them feel in your body? Which feeling do you prefer? Finally, do you know how to move a relationship from controlling to trusting?
If you would like some help becoming clearer and know what it feels like to be in a trusting relationship verse one of control, 
I suggest you explore the I Create What I Believe (ICWIB) program where my friend Luke will demonstrate the ICWIB activities and/or attend the FREE Drawing in the Now classes that are taught by Nancy Marie over Zoom the first and third Monday of the month from 4:30 pm-5:00 pm PST.
To view archived classes or for more information about the FREE Drawing in the Now Classes
visit: https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/drawing-in-the-now/
For more information about the ICWIB Online Training Program
visit https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/online-training/
If you would like to leave a comment for Alex regarding his Insights,
please visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/
or you can email Alex at Alex@icreatewhatibelieve.com
In a recent interview Dr. Bruce Lipton said, “…Freedom is the ability to create without the limitation of generational programming. The I Create What I Believe! (ICWIB!) Program is a gateway and a pathway into a new and better future because it allows children and (adults) to fully express themselves and to not be limited by the beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation. This program also frees up children’s and (adults’) minds and allows their creative nature to create a better world for all of us, which is what we need right now!”
