The Barnaby Blog 15 Aug 2025

rob72401
Aug 18
5 min read

REMINDER: WE'RE CLOSING

@ 6PM FRIDAY / SATURDAY

BACK AT END OF AUGUST!

Greetings Nicole,

Getting Back Into It: A Paw-spective on Post-Holiday Motivation

Woof! Barnaby here, your favorite miniature schnauzer with some big thoughts about getting back to business after the holidays!

You know what I love about holidays? Everything! The extra treats, the long walks that turn into adventures, the way humans suddenly remember that belly rubs are more important than laptop screens. I get to sniff every interesting smell without anyone saying "come on, Barnaby, we're late!" It's absolutely magnificent.

But then something funny happens. The humans start getting that look – you know the one. They stare at papers, make worried whimpering sounds (though not nearly as expressive as mine), and suddenly everyone's forgotten that life is supposed to be enjoyed!

The Wisdom of a Well-Rested Pup

Here's what I've learned from my extensive experience in napping, playing, and occasional sock-stealing: breaks aren't just nice – they're essential. Even us dogs need downtime between our very important jobs of protecting the house from delivery trucks and ensuring no squirrel goes unnoticed.

When I take a proper nap in my favorite sunny spot, I wake up ready to tackle anything – whether that's a new tennis ball or the mysterious case of the rustling treat bag. Your holiday break was just like that sunny spot nap, but longer and with better snacks.

So stop feeling guilty about enjoying yourself! That's like me feeling bad about how thoroughly I enjoyed that dropped sandwich last Tuesday. (Which, for the record, was delicious.)

The Sniff Test for Goals

I recently overheard my humans discussing this quote: "If someone watched you for a week, would they believe you're serious about your goals? Would they see discipline, effort and consistency? Or would they see distractions, procrastination and wasted time? You don't have to tell people what you want. How you spend your time already does."

Now, as a dog who's watched humans very carefully (it's literally my job), I can tell you this is spot-on. I know which humans are serious about their morning walks because they put on the special shoes. I know who really means "just one treat" and who's going to cave when I do my irresistible head tilt.

Your actions tell the truth better than any words. If someone followed you around for a week with the dedication I show when tracking the scent of bacon, what story would your time tell?

Finding Your "Why" (Or Your "Woof")

Sometimes after a holiday, humans look at their goals like I look at the vacuum cleaner – with suspicion and a vague sense that they should probably engage with it, but really, do they have to?

This is when you need to remember your why – or as I like to call it, your "woof." Why do you chase that particular tennis ball? For me, it's simple: because chasing brings joy, catching brings pride, and bringing it back makes my humans happy. Triple win!

What's your triple win? What goal makes you wag your metaphorical tail not just when you achieve it, but while you're working toward it?

The Gentle Return: Pup-Approved Tips

Start with Your Morning Routine: Every good day starts with the basics. For me, it's stretching (downward dog, naturally), checking the perimeter for overnight squirrel activity, and ensuring my food bowl situation is properly managed. What are your non-negotiable morning basics?

Schedule Your Fun: I get walks and nap time and play time. You can have summer fun and goal progress. The secret is being as intentional about scheduling joy as you are about scheduling work. Trust me on this – I'm an expert in optimizing for maximum enjoyment.

Create Little Rituals: Before any big activity, I do a little spin. It signals to my brain (and everyone watching) that something important is about to happen. What's your version of the pre-walk spin?

Protect Your Best Hours: I save my most energetic play for when I'm feeling zippy, not when I'm in afternoon-sleepy mode. Similarly, use your peak energy hours for your most important goals, not for sniffing around social media (the human equivalent of getting distracted by every interesting smell).

Summer Balance: The Art of the Well-Lived Day

Here's something humans often get wrong: you think you have to choose between discipline and fun. That's like thinking you have to choose between walks and naps! Why would you do that when you can have both?

The most magnificent days include both purposeful action and pure enjoyment. A really good belly rub session makes me more enthusiastic about my guard duties later. Your summer pleasures can fuel your goal-focused energy, not drain it.

Reducing Anxiety Through Purposeful Action

You know what's anxiety-inducing? Knowing there's something important you should be doing but avoiding it. It's like hearing the treat jar being opened but staying in the other room – technically possible, but why would you torture yourself?

Every day you take meaningful action toward your goals is a day you're writing your own adventure story instead of just reacting to whatever happens. And trust me, being the hero of your own story feels much better than being a side character in someone else's drama.

Your Tail-Wagging Fresh Start

Right now – yes, this very moment – can be your fresh start. You don't need to wait for the perfect conditions any more than I wait for the perfect stick (though I do have standards – it needs to be the right size for optimal carrying and sufficient crunchiness).

Your holiday break gave you something precious: perspective, rest, and probably some really good memories. Now you get to take all that good energy and channel it toward the things that matter to you.

Remember, goals aren't punishment for having enjoyed yourself. They're the way you create more reasons to celebrate. Every small step forward is worth a little tail wag.

The Final Woof

So here's to getting back into it with all the enthusiasm of a dog who's just heard the treat jar open! Here's to summer days that include both purposeful progress and spontaneous joy! Here's to the rest of this year feeling like a confident trot toward everything you want to create!

Your goals are waiting for you like I wait by the door when I hear car keys jingling – with complete confidence that something wonderful is about to happen.

Now stop reading and go make something good happen! I believe in you almost as much as I believe in the existence of that tennis ball I hid somewhere in the backyard last month.

Woof woof!

– Barnaby 🐾

P.S. If all else fails, try the head tilt. Works every time.

Rob, Amanda, Barnaby & Boo!

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