To answer these questions, we endlessly scour self-help books. We try to improve our lives through affirmations, yoga retreats, and even inspiration-based apps.
But what about looking for relief from what’s right in front of us?
In truth, dogs have mastered some of life’s most important lessons. And they’ve done so naturally. That’s because dogs live by 10 life-changing principles.
Check out these 10 lessons you can learn from your furry friend today.
1. Life happens in the moment.
Unlike people, dogs don’t ruminate. That’s because man’s best friend stays focused on the moment at hand. Dogs don’t care about yesterday’s news or tomorrow’s hectic schedule. Instead, they’re playfully focused on what’s going on in this very moment in time.
There’s an important lesson in this concept. And that lesson is that mindfulness (or living in the present moment) can be one of life’s greatest gifts. Dogs are mindful no matter what. It’s just how they live their lives.
2. Trust your intuition.
Dogs immediately know what vibe they get from a person. And they trust these instincts. They’re very clear about how they feel. If a dog’s intuition tells him something isn’t right, he honors and follows it.
Unfortunately, we often do the opposite. We dismiss our natural instincts, scared to trust what we inherently know. Instinct is one of the greatest life clues. We just have to tune into instinct -- and look to it for guidance.
3. Accept the hand of cards life deals -- and adjust accordingly.
Our furry friends are some of life’s best examples of resilience. Case in point is the story of a poodle named Helena. Helena was hit by a car. As a result, she lost one leg. But she didn’t give up. Instead, she changed course.
These days, Helena runs, jumps, and plays with just three legs. And best of all, she’s a therapy dog, visiting kids in need. She goes on with her life and makes the best of each day, playing the hand of cards she was dealt.
Just like Helena, we’re all dealt a hand of cards. And the way we play those cards is a choice. We can ruminate on everything that has gone wrong, or we can make the best of the hand of cards we’ve been dealt.
4. You’re never too old to play.
Dogs don’t worry about age. They play as pups, and they continue to play well into their senior years. To a dog, life is pretty darned fun. That favorite ball doesn’t go on the shelf in adulthood. It comes along for the ride.
As humans, we forget to lighten up. Instead, we marinate on the heavy things. In the meantime, life’s playful moments pass us by. You’re never too old to play. You just have to allow simple, playful moments to become part of life on a daily basis.
5. A positive self-image is a matter of choice.
Man’s best friend isn’t hard on herself. She doesn’t look in the mirror in an attempt to find flaws. If she’s 12, she views herself the same way she did when she was two. And she sure as heck doesn’t worry about her weight. In fact, she adores herself every single day, paws, flaws and all.
On the other hand, we spend hours picking ourselves apart. In the meantime, life’s positives take a back seat to hundreds of negatives. We choose to focus on the flaws in ourselves, creating a harsh reality that is anything but productive.
What would happen if we embraced the accepting view of a dog? Maybe it wouldn’t be as catastrophic if those skinny jeans didn’t fit. Instead, we’d find another pair of jeans and celebrate the beauty of our curves.
6. True love is unconditional.
To dogs, love doesn’t come with strings attached. If they’re upset, they deal with the pain of the moment- and then let it go. Yesterday’s drama isn’t today’s agenda. It’s a part of the past, and it stays there.
As humans, we get angry. And then we hold onto this anger, refusing to let it go. But really, what good does this do? Sure, we need time to process the situation at hand. However, love is about forgiveness. Think of how many times your dog has forgiven you.
7. Loyalty is what life is all about.
We live in an easy-come, easy-go era. But dogs don’t. To our furry friends, loyalty is what life is all about. We get upset, tired, frustrated and angry. Yet they’re still there for us. They stand by us through thick and thin.
As humans, we judge, gossip, and sometimes even turn our backs on friends. We’re loyal one minute, and in the next instance, that inner promise is cast aside. In truth, loyalty is one of the most important things that dogs can teach us about life.
8. Exercise is the key to calm.
Have you ever seen how wound up dogs get when they don’t have an opportunity to run around? Fast forward to that next cherished walk and your dog is ready for a long nap. Dogs know that exercise is the key to calm.
What a great lesson in the power of physical movement. Remember this the next time you want to skip a workout. Your dog knows that exercise is an essential part of relaxation.
9. Grudges do no good.
Sure, dogs get angry. And they get frustrated. However, you won’t see dogs holding onto grudges for long periods of time without just reason. Dogs are the champion examples of how to let go.
Many people, on the other hand, carry grudges. If we were angry a week ago, it’s sometimes possible that we’re still angry today. Not only does this affect health, it hinders our ability to move on. Our furry friends have learned that grudges only hold them back. Let it go, let it go.
10. Anything can be fun if you set your mind to it.
Who would have thought that chasing a ball around the house could be fun? In truth, dogs can make anything fun. Even a long drive on a cold winter night.
Dogs know that fun is an attitude. It’s the ability to see the flip side of any situation. After all, anything can be fun if you set your mind to it. Why not solve your people problems with a dog approach?