We really could learn a lot from our dogs.
I saw a meme yesterday … and I have to say, some people have got a serious meme game going on … and it made me stop and think.
I see many memes about dogs and cute puppy videos. Evidently that’s the whole Facebook/Instagram algorithm thing. Once they found out I like dog and puppy videos “they” just keep sending them to me.
Have you ever noticed that once you look something up on the internet, you constantly see ads for that thing even if you decided not to buy it. This Christmas I wanted to buy my wife a pair of Birkenstock shoes and ever since I went on their website I see at least one (if not 10) Birkenstock ads EVERY DAY!
Anyway….
The meme I saw yesterday was a picture of a dog with these words superimposed:
“We don’t overthink. We don’t hold grudges. We live for the moment the leash comes out or the snack bag crinkles. Be present. Be loyal. Celebrate the small stuff —- like snacks, sunshine, or someone just being there. And it’s okay to mess up. Just shake it off and try again like it’s the first time. Because the point isn’t perfection —- it’s enjoying the journey.”
Can you imagine if we all lived that way?
“We don’t overthink.” How many of us do overthink? I know I do. Sometimes I start dreading an event that’s coming up next week and I end up ruining this week. And talk about overthinking! How many times do we say “What if?”
“What if THIS happens or what if THAT happens?” What if it DOESN’T happen and everything goes fine because you have the experience or the talent necessary. I believe in being prepared for other outcomes but I have definitely been guilty of overthinking.
“We don’t hold grudges.” Guilty. Last week I told my wife about something a person said to me back in the 90s and how it still irritated me. She looked at me and said, “Wow! Hold a grudge much?” She was right.
“We live for the moment the leash comes out or the snack bag crinkles.” I’ve tried to get better at this as I’m getting older. My grandson has taught me about living in the moment because that’s what a toddler or 5-year-old does. He doesn’t worry about his dentist appointment two hours from now. He enjoys what he’s doing RIGHT NOW! I try to not worry about tomorrow or what chores I need to get to later today and just enjoy the moment. Easier said than done but I keep trying.
“Be present. Be loyal.” Don’t miss out on this moment because you’re so concerned about the next moment. Oh and be loyal. Don’t forget those that always have your back.
“Celebrate the small stuff like snacks, sunshine, or someone just being there.” You can easily miss out on the small stuff that’s right in front of you in our busy, fast-paced society. With all the rain we’ve had this spring, when the sun shines brightly, take a minute to enjoy! Did someone make some delicious homemade cookies? Try one! And before you say, “Oh I’m watching my weight.” Will ONE cookie really throw you off from your goal? Ten might but for one, I say “Go for it!”
“And it’s okay to mess up. Just shake it off and try again like it’s the first time.” Where would I be if I had never messed up? How would I have learned? And if I had never tried again after messing up the first time, how would I ever grow?
And that last line….
“Because the point isn’t perfection —- it’s enjoying the journey.” Wow!
How’s your journey been? If you’re like most of us it’s probably been amazing, difficult, challenging at times, painful, wonderful, outstanding, hurtful….. If you’re not happy with your journey, how can you change that? You’re the author of your own story. Change the next chapter!
It’s so true though about the lessons we can learn from our dogs. They are a true blessing with their unconditional love. Most days my dog doesn’t necessarily want anything from me. He just wants to be WITH me. What he doesn’t realize is I NEED to be with him too!
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