Not long ago a friend shared a simple lesson with me that has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. When confronted with what at first feels like a chore, we can turn our mindset around simply by replacing the phrase “have to” with “get to.” That Jedi mind trick (actually, an important lesson from 12-step programs) turns what would have been a chore into things to be grateful for.
I’ve used the idea to great effect. Now, even cleaning dog excrement from our backyard becomes the opportunity to focus on all the blessings my family and I receive from the dogs in our lives. The love and gratitude I feel overwhelms and completely replaces what might have felt like a boring and unpleasant chore had I not chosen to focus on “get to” instead of “have to.”
I often see things of great beauty during my frequent poop patrols, and I take some of my best photos during such efforts, including all the images in this post.
With love and gratitude,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Interesting plants, that I can’t remember ever seeing before
I don’t recall seeing the one that is second from the top before, either.
That is much better, get to than have to… No chores like that.
Lovely flowers on your dog patrol.
Thank you, Ute. I agree. The flowers are beautiful indeed.
Beautiful!
Thank you, David.
You “got to” take pictures of your beautiful flowers.
I consider the flowers to be a special blessing and like to share their beauty to brighten dark days and celebrate sunny ones.
A very important distinction indeed! So glad your images focussed on the beauty surrounding you rather than the chore! 🤣 so many beautiful plants. I believe the second image is showing lilies but i have not seen that specific variety before.
Sorry, second looks like snapdragons. We used to play with them as children…opening and closing their mouths.
Are you hinting that my dogs’ excrement isn’t photo-worthy? ;-D Well, if you’re not, I am!