Life Lessons from A Dog

​I am the new mom of an adorable 4 month old chocolate lab name Ellie that came home with me at the end of July.  What an adventure it has been! Hikes, yoga classes, meeting new friends, play biting, and training!  

Dogs can be some of the most sweet, lovable creatures in the world. If you slow down and pay attention, there is so much we actually can learn from our furry friends. Here are some of my own lessons Ellie teaches me daily.

1) Slow down and be in the moment
As humans we are doing a lot, we are on the move, distracted by our phones. So much doing and we forget being.  Dogs are right there in the present, not looking ahead, not looking behind. They enjoy company and play without the distractions and can be in the present moment. 

2) Play, play, play
Dogs are great reminders to humans to take time and play every day. We all need play time to have joy, live our best lives, and energize ourselves. Dogs, especially, puppies, love to play and have fun each day.  

3) Take naps and rest
Ellie plays like crazy and takes a nap when she sees needs to. We all need rest to regenerate our minds and bodies, to recover from the day, and to feel our best self. 

4) Every day can be a new adventure
You can wake up and start the day with dread or you can choose to see it as a new adventure. 

5) Enjoy the little things in life
Ellie is super excited about a kong with peanut butter or a being outdoors. There are so many little things that can bring joy if you look for them.  

6) Forgive and let go
I step on Ellie's paw or out a little longer than I planned to be. She forgives me and is able to go forward without a grudge.  It takes energy to hold onto a grudge and anger. 

7) Love Unconditionally
Dogs love unconditionally like no other. Ellie loves just about anybody she meets! I know she loves me no matter what.  It can be a challenging task to love unconditionally but our relationships would thrive!
 
8) Jump for joy when happy
I come home and Ellie wags her tail, jumps up and down and is super excited to see me.  Celebrate your wins, do happy dance, sing out loud it feels great!

9) Drink lots of Water
Dogs instinctively know when their bodies need water. It’s a good reminder for us to stay hydrated and drink when we’re thirsty. In fact, drinking water when you feel hungry is good for weight management because often you just need some water. Another good practice is to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning.

10) Don't compare yourself to others
Can you imagine a terrier wishing she were a boxer or a poodle envious of a collie’s mane or a pug wanting the nose of a greyhound? We humans spend a lot of time trying to make ourselves look like someone else’s version of perfection instead of loving our unique features, our unique life, and yes, our unique problems. How boring it would be if all dogs (or all humans) looked and behaved alike! Love and appreciate everything about yourself — the good, the bad and the ugly!

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