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I’ve been keeping a list of the things I’ve learned since I took on the responsibility of being Jon Snow’s daddy. The list is up to 19 lessons so far, but if I were to boil it all down to one that sums them all up, it would be this: In order to be an effective “parent” to this puppy, I have to be a better person. It’s challenged me to stretch in ways I have not had to in years. I’ve lived alone for the better part of the past 10 years. Bad habits take root. It becomes clear to me that if I want to be any good for this dog, I have to expand. I have to expand my heart. I have to become more.
More forgiving. More understanding. More patient. More kind. More selfless. More disciplined. More organized. More purposeful.
And I have to become less.
Less lazy, Less selfish. Less controlling. Less aggressive. Less me me me.
Less think think think.
More heart heart heart.