As regular readers will know, I walk and now feed a neighbour’s dog who would otherwise be chained up all day and only have kitchen scraps. However, as much as he adores my cuddles, I noticed the other day that as soon as his owner steps out, he instantly stops and covets their attention.
I understand why, as it’s similar to what many of us do as humans. If we’re denied love from someone in our younger years (or any age for that matter), it can become obsessive and we find ourselves yearning for that attention for much of our lives. Whether the person intends that or not, it’s so easy to get drawn into handing them that power over us.
I had a similar emotion myself when I was younger. However, as I grew older and realised my attentions were misplaced, then subsequently withdrew that covation (is that even a word?), something miraculous happened: the tables turned and I became the focus of their attention.
Whether mother, father, friend or lover, it’s so easy for us to become blind to the love people around us are showering us with when we’re not getting it from the one we so desire it from. But I hope my own experience will help you reconsider the focus of your love.
Self-love is such a precious thing and needs protecting at all costs. And sometimes walking away is the most powerful path to regaining that power.