Waggin’ Tails

Waggin’ Tails

By Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS

They say a dog is man’s best friend. I think they’re right. I have a 13.5-year old Golden Retriever named Sid. Sid is getting old. For his breed, he IS old. I have to carry him up the steps at night because his legs sometimes give out. His hearing is just about done. He doesn’t move around very well anymore.

But he still wags his tail when I walk in the door at night.

Sid wags his tail when he’s happy. He wags his tail when we pet him, when we scratch his belly and when we feed him. Basically, he wags his tail when we pay attention to him and give him some love.

I sometimes say to my athletes and clients, “Wag your tail today.” I got this from a strength and conditioning coach friend of mine, Kevin Reaume. Kevin is the strength coach at La Jolla Country Day High School in San Diego, and he says this to his athletes. I use it now too. And I like it.

So, what does it mean to wag your tail?

Waggin’ your tail can mean you have “swagger.” I think all confident athletes have swagger.  I’m not saying to be a braggart or to be cocky. I’m simply saying to walk tall, walk confidently, and wag your tail. Body language must ooze confidence all the time.

Waggin’ your tail can mean that you might need to “Fake it til you feel it.” I know there are days when you don’t feel your best. Maybe you’re facing challenge or adversity. Maybe there’s an “energy vampire” in your life. You’re beat up, defeated, and downtrodden. I get it. It happens. But it doesn’t mean you have to live in that world. Fill your mind with positivity and tell yourself to walk tall. Don’t ever stop “waggin’ your tail.” I promise you, the simple act of waggin’ it can get your mood going in the right direction. So wag it baby, wag it!

Waggin’ your tail can mean you’re happy. It’s important that we all shine in our lives. And we can best shine when we appreciate the small things in life. A friendly greeting. A warm touch. A good meal. Connecting with someone you love.

The message today is simple: WAG YOUR TAIL. And then tell your friends, colleagues, co-workers, clients, patients, children, and family to do the same. It puts a smile on your face and one on everyone around you. Say to them when leaving, “Hey, don’t forget, WAG YOUR TAIL today.” Watch the smile!

I’m not sure how much TIME I have left with my pup, Sid. For 13.5 years I’ve been blessed to have him in my life. And one thing he taught me is that regardless of how hard, how difficult, or how challenging a day may be, nothing is better than coming home to a WAGGIN’ TAIL.

Time to WAG IT!

Peace and love,

Todd