I wish more people understood that people, like dogs, need their good behavior rewarded. My dogs cheerfully do what I ask of them because they know they will get some kind of positive reward – tummy rubs, ball throwing, treats or a happy “good girl!” But I don’t observe nearly enough people being appreciated. If people were properly appreciated, then they would, as logic goes, they would conduct more good behaviors which get them more appreciation.
So which comes first, the good deeds or the rewards? I say the rewards.
Do a good deed today and see if any one notices. If not, that’s okay too. There is always tomorrow.

No, not like landscapes or anything that requires artistic talent. I am talking about putting paint on walls and changing the room, using “Polar Bear White” trim, and making the nicks and other imperfections go away. Painting is healthy and theraputic. In a few hours you get to completely change a complete place. With a few hours of focus (and a few sore muscles, if you are me) we can enact transformation of a place and its environment.
I wonder why changing ourselves is so hard? I met a young woman who went to the emergency room with back pain and to everyone’s surprise, mostly her own, 2 hours later she gave birth. The baby was a complete shock. Imagine how many aspects of her life changed in that 2 hour period. Thankfully, she is thrilled and the baby is doing well.
I babysat for a friend’s dog over the weekend and thought that required a few changes in my life…..I commend my young friend for being so willing to completely change her whole life with 2 hours of notice. And everyone else who is willingly embracing change.