How to Hug a Porcupine

Lots of takeaways from How to Hug a Porcupine...

The brilliant pioneering psychologist, Albert Ellis PhD, taught that no one can upset us unless we allow them to. Instead we can choose to think rationally, feel calm, and act with consideration, kindness and empathy. We can learn not to think and act irrationally and not to automatically stick our quills out during threatening or provocative situations. Even if the Porcupinely-acting person who you are dealing with resists, your open-hearted approach will not be wasted. Every time we practice kindness, compassion and unconditional acceptance of others, we are reinforcing it within and for ourselves.

How to Hug a Porcupine (Little Book. Big Idea.) . Hatherleigh Press. Kindle Edition.

As should be clear by now, dealing with your porcupine will require your very best effort. You will need to be patient, kind, and loving. You will have to be generous, understanding and empathic. In short, to love a porcupine, we must be the best that we can be.

How to Hug a Porcupine (Little Book. Big Idea.) . Hatherleigh Press. Kindle Edition.

By listening, you are transformed from a potential adversary to an ally. By listening, you become someone to be trusted. By listening, you cease to be part of the problem and become, instead, someone who has the information to offer a solution.

How to Hug a Porcupine (Little Book. Big Idea.) . Hatherleigh Press. Kindle Edition.

Set a good example for your porcupine as well as the other members of your family. Your willingness to talk openly about relationships, and to accept criticism of your own behavior, will help shape how your porcupine learns to handle uncomfortable situations.

How to Hug a Porcupine (Little Book. Big Idea.) . Hatherleigh Press. Kindle Edition.

At times, it may feel like you are the only one who is really trying. But know that your porcupine is always watching. Demonstrate your love by practicing patience and empathy and by being supportive. Love is what will teach your porcupine to keep his quills down. Just when you are about the give up ... your porcupine will surprise you.

How to Hug a Porcupine (Little Book. Big Idea.) . Hatherleigh Press. Kindle Edition.