#36: Who's Holding Your Leash? How to Reclaim Control

#36: Who's Holding Your Leash? How to Reclaim Control

Author: Whitney Keller May 13, 2025 Duration: 16:44

Are you unknowingly letting others control you?

As a (recovering) control freak, this episode hits close to home for me. Regarding what you can and cannot control, today I'm diving into why you might be giving away power over what you actually can control to others. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by other people's opinions, actions, or words, this episode is for you.

You know you can't control others. No matter how carefully you choose our words or how much effort you put into making someone happy, their reactions are out of your hands. But what about the reverse? What about control over yourself you willingly give up—when you let someone else's actions dictate your emotions, your choices, and even your self-worth?

I like to think of it as handing over your leash. When you're walking your dog (or cat, or rabbit—yes, I've seen it!), you guide them, keep them safe, and help them navigate the world. But what happens when you give your leash to someone else? Suddenly, you're the one being pulled in directions you never intended, reacting instead of leading.

In this episode, I share a deeply personal experience that changed the way I see control—one that took me from burnout and frustration to reclaiming my choices, my emotions, and ultimately, my happiness. I'll also talk about a powerful mindset shift that can help you stop dwelling on 'what ifs' and start focusing on what you can control.

So, get ready to take back your leash. Let's get started!

Episode Highlights:

  • 02:16 – Giving away control in daily life
  • 05:06 – You only have to feel any emotion for 90 seconds
  • 07:46 – Personal story: overcoming burnout
  • 10:50 – The power of mindset
  • 12:51 – The key to taking back control

Discover how to break free from outside influence and step into your own power!

Additional Resource:

  • Episode 14: How Pets Help You Keep Your Focus Where It Counts
FREE resource: "Would My Pet Care? 3 Simple Steps to Focus on What Really Matters" Shed stress and align your priorities with the help of your pet! 

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Music Credit: "Creative Process", "Enjoy The Ride", Artist: juqboxmusic, Source: Free Music Archive, License: CC BY-NC

 


In a world that often feels disconnected, the bond with a pet offers a unique anchor. Pets Teach Love with Dr. Whitney Keller is a space where that profound connection becomes a tool for emotional grounding and personal growth. Hosted by veterinarian Whitney Keller, this podcast delves into the complex feelings-like guilt, overwhelm, or joy-that arise in our relationships with our animals, transforming them into sources of strength. Listeners will find a blend of actionable pet care advice from a professional perspective and deeply motivational stories from fellow pet lovers. Each episode is designed to explore how the unconditional love we share with our pets can mirror and foster our own self-empowerment and worth. This isn't just about pet ownership; it's about listening to the lessons in loyalty, presence, and compassion that our animals model every day. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that goes beyond the food bowl and the vet visit, right to the heart of what it means to care and be cared for. Through this podcast, the simple, daily interactions with your pet become a pathway to a more grounded and resilient you, all explored through the lens of veterinary knowledge and heartfelt experience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 36

Pets Teach Love with Dr. Whitney Keller
Podcast Episodes
#15: The Source of Emotions & Actions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:59
Discover how understanding your pet's actions can help you identify your own actions and emotions! Hey there! Understanding your own emotions and thoughts can actually become easier when you pay attention to your pet's b…
#14: How Pets Help You Keep Your Focus Where it Counts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:55
Discover the special ways pets help you zero in on the areas of life you control! Ever found yourself spiraling over something you can't change? Or maybe giving away too much energy to situations that don't serve you? To…
#13: How to Move Past Self Doubt with Your Pet's Belief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:22
Feel like self-doubt is holding you back? Let your pet's love and wisdom show you a new path forward. It's no secret that your pet gives you a unique kind of love—unconditional, boundless, and completely free of judgment…
#12: Holiday Headaches? Overcome the Overwhelm! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:31
Tackle holiday stress with the Overcome Overwhelm framework, and finish this year on top! As the end of the year and holidays approach, it may feel like you have to keep up with impossible expectations. It's easy to get…
#11: Skipping Expectations: Loving a New Pet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:09
Can you love a new pet without expecting them to replace your old one? Have you ever skipped rocks and wondered at how unpredictable the results are? That experience has a surprising connection to how you bond with pets.…
#10: Dia de los Muertos: Remembrances [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:27
Pets that you love are never truly "lost" when their memories are treasured. Hey friend, I sure hope it's getting cooler where you live! But the one place it should never feel cold is in your heart- even after the death…
#9: The Balanced Life: Pet Care + Self Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:37
Imagine that "balance" is something fun and fulfilling that you can share with those you love most. Understatement of the year alert: life is busy. If juggling your own needs with work, pets, kids, family, or friends fee…
#8: Uniquely Valuable: Defining Spectrum of Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:51
No answer is always "right" for pet care, but you can still make the best choice! Do you ever feel peer-pressure around your pet care decisions? That you should be choosing a diet, toy, or grooming style because your fri…
#7: The 5 Domains Map: A Path to Self-Care Sustainability [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:51
Discover how your emotions can be the key to finding sustainability. Ever feel like the word "sustainability" is thrown around too much? I totally get it. But what if I told you sustainability isn't just about hugging tr…
#6: Pet Food Panic? Overcome the Overwhelm! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:09
Find the opportunities hidden within all those pet food choices. If you've ever found yourself standing in front of a wall of pet food options at the store, paralyzed by the sheer number of choices, you are definitely no…