The 10 most important things dogs teach us in life

Dogs are good companions of human beings. Many people regard dogs as friends and relatives and they become their emotional support. Cute dogs can not only help you relieve loneliness, but also tell us what are the most important things in life:

1. Live in the present moment

The only things dogs can remember are where things are placed, which street they take home, who they have met before, etc. They will only obtain this information when they need it. No matter what you eat or what you play, the past is the past and you can't change it; the future is unknown. You can enjoy it only now.

2. Overcome fear with love

There are many stories of dogs that were originally fearful and aggressive, but were transformed into kind and gentle dogs after being placed in a loving environment. Dogs can overcome fears and insecurities through love, and so can humans. Love really does conquer all, and the first step for us is to love ourselves. If you can replace fear and self-criticism with self-love, your life will become more relaxed no matter the situation.

3. Don’t hold grudges

Resentment is a feeling of dissatisfaction towards another person. It originates in our thoughts. Humans may be the only species that holds grudges. A dog will never get mad at you for not feeding him the night before. Resentment weighs you down and stops you from moving forward. Put resentment aside and you will create your own freedom.

4. Play every day

Dogs love to play, and playing usually involves a lot of exercise, whether it's running, chasing or jumping. This is a good reminder for us to have fun, exercise well, and rest well from busy work every day. It would be even better if you can exercise while playing. You can go walking the dog, strolling, hiking, biking, running, or even roller skating.

5. Jump for joy

Have you ever seen a dog chase its tail in excitement, or jump for joy, or run after a ball with great enthusiasm? Wouldn’t it be interesting if we also jumped for joy when we were excited about something? Our lives move at such a fast pace that we often forget to get excited and celebrate the good times in the midst of worrying about the future. We live in a magical world where the sun rises every day, flowers bloom, seasons change...there are so many wonderful things worth jumping for joy.

6. Accept yourself

Can you imagine a beagle wishing it was a poodle, or a collie with just a mane, or a pug with a giant nose? We humans spend a lot of time trying to look like someone else, instead of loving our own characteristics, our own unique lives, and our own problems. Just imagine how boring it would be if all dogs (or people) looked and behaved the same! Remember to love everything about yourself - the good, the bad, and even the ugly.

7. Enjoy the journey

When dogs go for a ride in the car, they stick their heads out the window, smell the air, and feel the wind against their fur. They don't care where they are going, they just enjoy the journey. Sometimes, even though we set ambitious goals, we often forget that the journey is what matters the most. When we become too obsessed with outcomes, we can end up feeling frustrated, depressed, or even angry when our expectations aren’t met. Next time you set a goal, consider the alternative possibilities as well, and savor every moment of excitement, innovation, fun, and lessons along the way.

8. Drink lots of water

Dogs instinctively know when their bodies need water. They stop eating when they are full; they also won't eat anything poisonous. This is a reminder that we should stay hydrated and drink when we are thirsty. In fact, drinking water when you feel hungry can be beneficial for weight management because often you feel hungry because your body needs water. In addition, remember to drink a glass of water every morning after getting up.

9. Loyalty and Reliability

Dogs are social animals. They are loyal to their partners, play with them, and defend them. This reminds us that as human beings, we must also be loyal to our group. Making yourself a loyal and dependable friend, lover, partner, parent, sibling, will enrich your life in every way.

10. Unconditional Love

Dogs will love you unconditionally no matter what. Whether you are in a good mood or a bad mood, they will wag their tails when they see you. Even if you yell at them, they still want to give you a powerful wet kiss. And, no matter what you did, they will forgive you immediately. Loving someone unconditionally is a difficult task, but if we were all willing to try, the world would definitely be a better place.