Recently, my dad and I had a conversation about life. Well maybe not a conversation...maybe more of a lecture. Regardless of what is was, we talked about how we could better our lives for ourselves and the people around us. While we were having this discussion/lecture, Oakley, our dog, was running around in the backyard playing with his stick and laying in the grass chewing on his toy--just living the good life.

My dad brought up a good point, stating, "You know you could learn a few things from Oakley." A dog's life is so much easier than ours. But does it have to be? Why can't we just enjoy where we are instead of focusing on the troubles of the past, present and even the future.

I've kind of been committed to this new idea of living life like Oakley. Take a look at your dog (hopefully you have one or this article is basically pointless...unless you have a cat or a turtle or something, it should still sort of apply). Think about how easy their life is. How sometimes you lust after their simple life. Why not live your life like your dog. Well here's what I've learned from my dog just by watching him live his simple, yet full life.

1. Learn to relax and have total contentment

Embrace those lazy days where you just get to lay around in the grass enjoying life.

2. Learn to smile most of the time

I don't think I've ever seen Oakley without a smile on his face. We should aspire allto smile everyday for most of the day, just like Oakley.

3. Learn to help others before yourself

Jump in when you know someone is in need of a hand. Be chivalrous. Do your civil duty.

4. This is random, but learn to stretch every day

Fact: Stretching every day improves sports performance, keep joints limber, and eases stress keeping you energized. This could explain why Oakley's so full of energy all the time (...but don't quote me on that). So stretch every day to keep your energy up!

5. Learn to always have a good time

...but not too much fun, Oak!

6. Learn to be a good cuddler

Oakley might not be the best at this one, but he tries (sort of).

7. Learn to embrace those moments of pure stupidity and ridicule

Because you're going to have a lot of them. Oakley's a pro at it, especially with a family like us. Just go on with life like Oakley.

Wow look at those cuddling skills!

8. Learn to love like Oakley loves his chew toy

If you ever find someone that loves you like Oakley loves his stick, he or she is a keeper. (And let me know where you found this gem.)

9. Learn to keep the things you love close

10. Learn to keep in touch with your loves ones

Or, at least try to with a little help.

11. Learn to find and seek out adventure

Even if it looks like something straight out of "The Shining."

Ummm.

...OK,maybe not.

12. Learn to not have a care in the world

Well, only sometimes. Oakley always gives no "cares." Be Like Oakley!

13. Learn to make your mark on the world like Oakley would!

OK, maybe just figuratively!

We all can learn a little from Oakley. We've just got to remember to embrace and cherish the little things in life and the big things in life. We can't get to wrapped up in the world. We've just got to live in the now, not give a "care," and leave a mark on the world, figuratively of course. So go live the simple life and...

'You could learn a few things from Oakley" - a quote from my father,
Kevin Dale, that totally rings true.