Lessons I Learned From My Dog.

I adore my dog Scout. In fact, my husband, son and pretty much anyone who hasn’t been previously mauled by a dog is smitten with her. I don’t think I’m biased when I say that there is something very special about Scout. I believe she’s an old soul and has graced us with her presence to teach us some really valuable life lessons.

1) Stop and smell the roses. When I take Scout for a walk, especially on freezing cold or wet days, I’ll admit I get impatient as Scout takes her sweet time sniffing around. I beg her to “hurry up” so we can move along. But if Scout could speak she’d tell me to “talk to the paw ” and she’d be totally justified. Too often we rush through life moving from one thing to the next without actually stopping to enjoy our surroundings. It’s high time we slow down and learn to take it all in.

2) Unconditional love. Scout has taught me what pure love is all about. It’s non judgmental and totally intoxicating. Regardless of what I look like, what I do or how much I have, Scout’s love is there for the taking. She makes everyone she comes in contact with feel like they matter and are wanted just because they are in her presence. And it is with this genuine affection that we need to learn to love ourselves and each other.

3) Keep things simple. Scout eats the same food, has one toy and pretty much goes on the same walk day after day. I’m not suggesting that you sell all your possessions and move to an ashram. But we tend to over complicate our lives and define who we are based on what we do or what we possess. When you acquire more than you can handle it creates clutter. When you get caught up in all the choices you have it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Work on finding ways to simplify your life.

4) Stay Present. Scout has no concept of time. I can leave for 30 seconds or 3 hours and I’ll still get the same excited reaction when I return. She doesn’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. All she knows is right now. The present moment is all we ever have but so many of us focus our attention elsewhere. Being in the now is the secret to living a joyful and worry free existence.

5) Be a good listener. Okay, Scout doesn’t really have a choice here but the lesson remains the same. I confide in Scout knowing she’s not going to give me an answer or try to fix the problem. She’s just there to listen in a supportive way. Sometimes that’s all we ever really need. Practice listening more with an open heart and a closed mouth.

6) Follow your instincts. Animals have incredible instincts and use them as their guide. Now I’m not animal expert Jack Hanna but I’m pretty sure animals don’t get unsolicited advice from a meddling parent or their busy body friends. Humans are also equipped with these amazing instincts and intuition but we tend to ignore this inner knowing out of fear. Believe that you have all the answers and power within you right now. Pay attention to your gut feeling and learn to trust yourself more.

7) Get excited about the little things. Just mentioning the words “walk”, “car” or “treat” gets Scout more jazzed up than Bob Fosse. We’re constantly searching outside of ourselves for things and people to make us feel happy or fill a void. Here’s a friendly reminder. Things and other people can’t make you happy. Only you have the power to do that. And it starts by celebrating the little miracles that surround you now and practicing gratitude on a daily basis.

Your Assignment.

Choose 1 life lesson that resonates with you and begin to implement it in your life today.