It's a sad sad tale. I have a fluffy white bathrobe—worthy of a spa. It’s ultra soft, cozy and comforting. I love it. My dog hates it. Let me explain. To him, it’s a bright white beacon of bad news—a sign of crushed dreams. In the morning, he can hear me moving around, and he knows I’ll greet him either in walking wear (Oh, happy day!) or the white bathrobe of disappointment. As soon as he sees me all snug in my lazy a.m. attire, his head drops—and he immediately heads back to his bed. Usually, there’s a dramatic thud and heavy sigh to boot. It’s a pretty lousy way for both of us to start the day. He’s sad—and I am already not meeting expectations. Some days it’s a double-whammy of let down. If my hubby was hopeful for his buddy and me—that we’d get our morning walk, because we’re both happier for it, I can see the disappointment in his face too. He tries hard not to judge, and I know he wants the best for us, me and Boomer. Well, and there’s this … the WBD is not the sexiest look. I said it’s worthy of a spa, but I also said “fluffy.” It leans much more Pillsbury Dough Boy than Victoria Secret Girl. I have to say, these guys are ruining my favorite bathrobe for me too. I need to face it. It's like starting the day saying, “I give up.” Not, “Let’s do this!” Something needs to change. So what’s a girl to do? I’ve written about rocking an apron at the end of the day to kick up your productivity ... how dressing the part can contribute to our success. Clearly, I need to up my morning game. PLAN A Step 1: Reserve the cushy robe for weekend use only. To help force my hand, I am going to hang it in a remote location in my home—out of sight and reach. Sorry, old friend. Step 2: Lay out comfortable walking or workout clothes the night before. Part of what makes the WBD so alluring (to me anyway) is it’s easy to give into. I struggle getting out of bed, especially in the winter, and it offers a cozy vertical option if I must be up. Having a quick and good alternative—and not having the lazier option handy—will hopefully do the trick. I am using strategies that are backed by experts. In his 2018 book, "Atomic Habits," James Clear shares his laws of behavior change. To create a good habit, the 1st law is to "make it obvious." That's my exercise wear. To break a bad habit, he says to invert that law, "make it invisible." That's removing my comfort robe. I am on to something, right, James? PLAN B Give the robe away. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. In the meantime, can we keep this between us? I am counting on Plan A to work, but I don’t want Boomer to get his hopes up too much. Baby steps, Boom. Remember, I am only human. The recipe for a happy dog It’s true that Boomer and I are walking buddies when I am not a disappointment. But I am far from his favorite human. It's the handsome bald one who gives him his three favorite things: Food + attention + the mountains. That, my friends, is the recipe for a happy dog. Now that I think about it, it’s also not too far off the recipe for a happy husband. Well, at least in our household. When the mountains are calling, I get it. They must go. When hubby and the dog head on their merry way, sometimes I stay home, lay low and rock my chores with my bestie, indoor plumbing. The white bathrobe is generally involved. Ain’t no one judging.
6 Comments
Sarah
1/30/2019 07:26:35 am
This sounds oh so familiar! Panzer knows if I put on my walking pants we are going out but if I put on day pajamas, well, he does the loud sigh and thump too. I've found working from home that not getting dressed is a slippery slope. The more I wear day pj's the less likely I am to be productive. After reading the same book, I think you've nailed the principals in it! High five sister!
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Margie
1/31/2019 08:07:58 pm
Thanks, Sarah! First week without the WBD. I haven’t gotten Boom out yet because it’s DARK and COLD but at least I am moving in the right direction.
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Lizard
1/30/2019 03:19:00 pm
Love this post Margie! I'm not sure if I'm more inspired to layout my workout clothes - or put my name into the pool for the WBD should you ever resort to plan B. ;)
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Margie
1/31/2019 08:14:38 pm
Thanks, sister. The WBD is in high demand. Maybe s future giveaway. 🤪
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Mollywt
1/30/2019 09:33:29 pm
Love this so much! For Ellie, the trigger is my Maui hat. Dogs are creatures of habit, just like us!
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Margie
1/31/2019 08:11:45 pm
Thanks, Molly! Ellie is a lucky girl. ♥️
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Hello!I am Margie Reece. I am here to help you rock your chores and have some fun doing it. Categories
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