Old Habits Die Hard

I just returned from taking my dogs for their daily morning walks. Chloe who is 3, bounces along and is curious about everything she sees or smells. Thankfully, some of the obedience training WE went for has made it more pleasant walking her. She trots along and will stop to sniff and mark only when I allow her to.

Jordan who is 11, has some health problems and can't see too well, ambles along slowly. I have become his "Seeing Eye Human". I make sure he does not step on other dogs' unpicked poo! He is still alert enough not to get run over by passing cars and does not walk into lamp posts.

He still enjoys a short walk on level ground and although he is unsteady on 4 legs, he will still insist on putting up his hind leg to pee. He has toppled over and slipped a few times, but it has not stopped his leg-lifting habit. Cleverly, he has learnt to lean against the object of his intended showering, but sometimes the bushes or tiny plant won't hold. As much as I have encouraged him to pee on grass ... he still wants that tree or post or fire hydrant.

He reminds me so much of my dad ... not that dad lifted his leg to pee ... but in that stubborn streak to want to continue with what has always been. When dad's legs got weaker and his gait became very unsteady, he would still walk round the side of the house to make sure everything was closed up for the night. This he did every night risking a fall into the shallow drain by the side of the house. No amount of nagging could change this habit. We all resist change and habits make us feel comfortable. I think they help reaffirm who we are.

A habit is defined as "a thing done often and hence, usually done easily; an act that is acquired and has become automatic".

So, better consciously help children develop good habits because whatever habits they develop - it will be hard to break, change or discard to develop new ones. I use to suck my thumb ... not any more! There are so many bad habits I can list, but I won't. Instead, I want to encourage you to pause and think of 3 good habits you have and think of 1 "bad" habit you would like to get rid of.

My 3 good habits:

1. I thank God before each meal and talk to Him at the beginning and end of each day.

2. I exercise at least 3 times a week.

3. I read the papers/a book everyday.

My 1 bad habit to break:

1. I complete people's sentences for them instead of patiently allowing them to finish what they have to say.

Indeed, old habits die hard.