 Jim
was safe. Neither the dog nor the monster was ever seen again. In fact, Jim was never bothered by a dog or any other animal. No one knows why. Most importantly, Jim learned that bad luck doesn't last for ever. And good luck can come in surprising packages - a fact that would prove useful in his next adventure. (Theo enjoyed creating this story with his Dad. Knowing Dad's Scotish heritage may have added a bit to the fun - though it was never explicitly discussed. Nor was the notion that, even when you're feeling down, something (or someone) one powerful will always be there for you. But this too may have added to the enjoyment. The notion may not be true. May never be tested. But believing that you're safe, that things work out in the end, is an important part of emotion regulation. There is more to emotion regulation than damping down emotion once it is regnant. A secure attachment relationship is an important context for exploring the emotional side of life and constructing working models that keep it from becoming too unruly in the first place.
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