My Summer Bowtie Meltdown!

I'm known for rocking a bowtie like none other, and I have a collection that's very GQ-ish — my go-to is navy with white polka dots. Safe, but not boring. Then there's the yellow one with bees and hearts, the weird blue one with dog-shaped balloons, the white one with multicolored birthday balloons, and, of course, the classic black bowtie with a touch of bling.

So, I definitely sniff outside the lines. But even I wasn't ready for what Mama chosen to add to my growing bowtie collection and for me to wear to lunch at Cleo's house today.

I literally took two steps back when she showed it to me. If it had been April 1st, I would have known it was a joke. But it wasn't April 1st, and it wasn't a joke.

What was the issue with this newest bowtie? Firstly, it was the colors. And it wasn't just that they were extremely bright and bold! They were pink, purple, yellow, and mauve! Without even a hint of blue! Secondly, it was the pattern! It wasn't cars, or trains, or balls, or treats. It was covered in flowers. And not just any flowers. Daisies! And, in my mind, bright, bold pastels and florals seemed like a terrible fashion choice for a stylish, but more conservative pup like me.

Needless to say, my head started to panic. What was Mama thinking? Had her super-smart brain been away on vacation? What would Cleo and Aunty Bev think of this crazy look? What would the neighborhood dogs have to say if they saw me out and about wearing a  bright, bold pastel-and-floral bowtie? The situation had humiliation written all over it.

So, my super-smart brain started preparing convincing opening and closing arguments to present to Mama so she would either pursue a full refund for the bowtie in question or at the very least, get a store credit. I did feel bad at the thought of having to tell her I didn't like this new bowtie, because I knew Mama meant well; she always does. But honestly, right then I was feeling worse about how this would impact my reputation — both personally and as an up-and-coming doggy bowtie fashion influencer.

And with all of this swirling around in my floofy, overwhelmed head, with thoughts of disaster building up faster and faster, and my tummy feeling sicker and sicker —disaster struck! I never noticed Mama getting closer and closer, and without any warning or asking my permission, the bowtie in question was suddenly securely placed around my neck.

And yes, this could have been avoided if I'd remained present and calm instead of stressing about things that hadn't even happened. If I'd been more present and calm, I would have been attentive to Mama's movements. I would have seen her coming. I would have had time to run and hide instead of now having to do damage control and an urgent reputation risk assessment.

Trick Mirror?

As if my paws understood what my brain was thinking, they started moving as fast as they could, taking me directly to Mama's bedroom, where I nearly slammed headfirst into her full-length mirror. I didn't want to look up and see my reflection. I could only imagine how silly I looked. So I decided to cover one eye with one of my paws to soften the blow of what I would see — like you do when watching a really scary movie. And with my tummy now somersaulting a mile a minute, I slowly opened my uncovered eye.

OMD! Was this a trick mirror? Was this for real? I definitely needed a clearer view. So, I dropped my paw to the floor and took four steps back. I blinked five times and opened both eyes to get a more accurate picture. And blow me over with a leaf! The reflection staring back at me hadn't changed one bit — it was still a very stylish pup wearing a very edgy and bright floral bowtie!

And guess what! Those bold pastels of pink, purple, yellow, and mauve were a a perfect match with my warm caramel-colored coat. This was definitely not a terrible fashion choice. In fact, in my opinion, this look was GQ cover-worthy. I was certain of that.

So what did it matter what anyone else thought? My decision was final! I loved my new bowtie! I loved how I looked. And I loved how I felt. And this was what mattered more than anything else. Way to go, Mama! Thank you so much! Now, let's head out to lunch! I'm ready to show everyone the newest addition to my growing bowtie collection.

The car ride over to Cleo's house was absolute bliss—with my head and bowtie completely out the window, I felt like I had a million treats to my name. I loved feeling the full blast of the breeze on my face and ears — a huge upgrade from my usual routine of just poking the tip of my nose out into the air.

But unfortunately, the feeling passed nearly as fast as I can eat a treat. As soon as we turned the corner onto Cleo's street, all of a sudden I didn't feel quite the same. Out of nowhere and taking me completely by surprise, things flipped around inside my head —and for the worse — and once again it was spinning out of control. What if Cleo didn't like my new bowtie or Aunty Bev thought l looked like a clown? Why didn't I just pick my safe and conservative navy bowtie with the white polka dots to wear today? OMD. I thought I'd just settled this debate with myself! Why was I doubting my choice of attire again?! I loved my bright bold pastel and floral bowtie when I was standing in front of Mama's full-length mirror 15 minutes ago. I loved it enough to stick my head all the way out the window for the world to see it as we were driving here. So, what was the problem now? Had my super-smart brain not been present earlier when I made this decision? Had it taken a vacation without me knowing?

No, it hadn't! I know this because as we were pulled up at Cleo's house, I realized what was happening, and I had to take a deep breath to help me reset.

This second wave of panic in my head wasn't so much about what my brain was thinking — it was more about having chosen what my soul was feeling — to express itself and be honest about what I loved and what mattered to me, not anyone else. And today, expressing what my soul was felling happened to involve a fashion statement and a bright, bold pastel-and-floral summer bowtie.

In that moment I learned that listening to your soul required making courageous decisions which was much easier to do in the safety of my home, knowing I would face no rejection. But out in the big world, where I was now, rejection was more, rather than less likely to happen. And that’s why it’s so much harder to align with your soul and choose your inner truth over choosing what other people might like.

But that's what I'd done 15 minutes ago. I'd chosen me! I'd voted for me. And now this would be my moment of truth, when I'd find out if I'd really meant what I'd said standing in front of Mama's full-length mirror — would I still feel the same way five minutes from now and still love this Floof and his new look, even if no one else did?

And I'm not going to lie, my tummy was still feeling quite queasy as I hopped out the car. But I held my head high and stood extra tall as I ran to the front door. Proud of myself for choosing me! And before I had even one second to worry some more and sit and wait like a gentleman, the front door flew open, and I bolted inside like I always did! But wait! Was that my Cleo heading in the opposite direction, like she always did? I was pawsitive it was, so I made an immediate emergency stop, spun around, and raced straight back to the front door to get Cleo’s attention so we could go play outside.

We were just about to dash off when I noticed Aunty Bev's eyes suddenly fixed directly on my bright, bold pastel-and-floral summer bow tie — which I'd actually forgotten I even had on with all the excitement of seeing Cleo and running back and forth. But in that moment, I was quickly reminded of the bold, soul-aligned fashion statement choice I’d made. My paws immediately froze to the ground. My tummy flipped at least four times and my eyes were glued to Aunty Bev's face. But even though I didn't know what she was thinking I kept my head up high and stayed standing tall. I believed in me. I believed in my choice of bowtie. I saw her mouth moving but it took a moment for me to hear her words. "Toffy! Is that a new bowtie? I love it. You look so handsome and trendy!" Was I relieved? For sure. Because of course we want the people we love most to love what we love too. And Cleo? She was already halfway down the front hall, heading to the back garden — happy and excited just because I was there! And as always, we all had the most pawsome day.

Pawspective Check

That night, as I lay curled up on Mama's bed with my puppy by my side, I couldn't help but think about what a significant and impawtant roller coaster of a day it had been for me. I was so proud of myself for choosing me! For taking a ginormous and real risk with my bowtie choice, knowing that others might not approve of me and my new, bold look. But as I dozed off, I knew in my heart that what mattered most, more than anything or anyone else, was that I had listened to my soul and chosen what I loved because I could only imagine how sad I'd be feeling if I'd played it safe and worn my blue bowtie — the one with the white polka dots, and prioritized getting everyone else's approval over my own. But instead, my heart was at peace and content because it was filled with self-love, my love — the most valuable and impawtant kind of love there is! Toffy xoxo #lifewithtoffy #toffysdogblog #thinkliketoffy

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