dog collars

There are coloured dog collar/harnesses that owners can use to show what their dog is like - green if they can be approached by anyone and everyone, amber if they're good with people but not other dogs and red for pointing out that other dogs and people should best keep away.  I have vicar friends to whom I've suggested a similar system of coloured dog collars! One of the aspects of ordained life is the idea in some people's minds that you are always on call, whereas vicars do need down time too. I guess that's when they take their collars off so my idea is a silly one really, if they are angry rather than walk the streets with a red dog collar they probably just take it off. But as human beings with feelings, there will be times when they feel more approachable than others.
My buttons are a bit jammed today and I know that if I don't unjam them I shall be emitting vibes that warn people off. It's a shame really - the times when we are most struggling are probably the times we need people to approach most - though with hugs and chocolates rather than bring their own burdens or criticisms!! And actually it's something I've learned well - my self awareness is such that I can and frequently do put my feelings aside so that I can be receptive to what others are bringing to the conversation and not get it too fuzzed up with my own feelings of rejection or whatever.

I really enjoyed being on the hospital ward last night and came home with more capacity than I'd left with :) To get me back in that place before work this morning I'm going to listen to a whole lot of Elaine Silver - how fab is this:
"I hear what my feelings are telling me
Is it love or is it fear putting its spell over me?
I choose love when I remember it's a choice
I choose love when I listen to the voice."