I'm going to get it out of the way right at the start...
A lot of people nowadays are disappointing.
....but that wasn't really a surprise, right?
Now, before you call me a pessimist, let me expand upon this a little. I am actually a pretty cheerful and positive person- my goal here is not to complain. But it is undeniable that, especially nowadays and within our generation, there are just some really... well, disappointing people.
....but you know who's not disappointing?
Dogs.
As humans, we have developed some less-than-pleasing habits. We scorn others' successes in our own jealousy, we don't hold doors for our elders or even open car doors for our dates, and half of the time we are too antisocial to even say hello to the people we walk past because our faces are dug so deeply into our phones. We've replaced face-to-face communication with social media. Our "best friend" is now the person we have the longest Snapchat streak with, as opposed to the person you plan spur-of-the-moment weekend road-trips with. Unfaithfulness and lying in relationships has somehow become the "norm", and the notions of courting someone and taking them home to meet your parents is rare.
What have we done?
Granted, not everyone falls into these categories. Millennials have done some great things. There are some really great people in this world. When you meet them, hold on to them. But, anyone who exposes themselves to today's society understands the point I am trying to make here. Our society is expanding in new and exciting ways, but is progressively losing a certain aspect of "goodness".
As someone who's life-goal is to own 100 dogs, I think we could all take a step back, and learn from the greatest creature alive; man's best friend; our furry four-legged pals, who have had it right all along.
Without further adieu, here are a few things people can learn from dogs.
Happiness is simple.
"Dogs are often happier than men simply because the simplest things are the greatest for them."
Mehmet Murat Ildan
Everybody is looking for something. Some people for a friend, some for education, and some simply for their car keys. But, one thing we are all looking for in life is happiness. And for some reason, there is this crazy notion that finding happiness is incredibly complicated.
But clearly, that is a lie. Though they are incredibly intelligent, if dogs can have unconditional happiness, humans are capable as well.
Happiness isn't something that you can find, so don't spend your life searching for it. It's a choice.
Be friendly.
"Just scratch my belly and I'll be your best friend forever."
***Acting cold does not make you cool***
Don't give people glares when they walk by. You really just look like a jerk.
Smile. Be approachable. Be friendly. Be open. Be warm. Start up conversations with people. Ask someone how their day is going. Life is a lot nicer when you are.
Relax a little.
Cat naps .Dog naps.
Of all people, I am incredibly at fault in this concern. We get caught up in everything going on around us and our daily "grind", that we tend to magnify our stresses. While a healthy amount of stress is essential to promote motivation and success, get too much and you'll even start to stress about how much you're stressing... (guilty). Sometimes we just need to take a step back, a deep breath, and a minute to ourselves to restore our productivity (and in some cases our sanity).
Loyalty.
"If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life."
Oscar Wilde
(...and dogs everywhere, probably.)
Our dogs always anxiously await our return, no matter how many times we leave them. They always pull us along on walks to make sure we get our exercise in, no matter how uncooperative we are. They always make sure to protect us from that damn mailman, even though he comes by six times a week. Dogs always have our backs.
People should be the same way. We need to better learn to put those that we care about before ourselves.
Let them know you're never more than a call away.
Get excited about things!
"YOU'RE HOME YOU'RE HOME I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN FIFTEEN MINUTES BUT YOU'RE HOME!"
Any dog owner knows that dogs nearly implode everyday with pure glee when their humans return home from wherever they've been. Or over seeing a tennis ball. Or a squirrel. Dogs take such a thrill in the simple tasks of just being alive, that for them, just being alive is thrilling.
We should follow their lead. If something makes you happy, show it. Excitement and happiness are contagious.
Communication is key.
Hush, human. I'm not barking, I'm just talking to you.
Dogs have got it down. They bark at talk to us all of the time. They make sure we know when they're hungry, when they want to go for a walk, and that they really don't like that one dog down the street. They let us know what they need, and what they don't like. For the sake of the relationships we share with people, we need to better learn to do the same. If someone isn't being quite the friend/family member/significant other you need them to be, or is doing something that you really don't like, communicate that to them. Let them know. Don't just let the situation continually deteriorate to a point of no return, because you're too afraid to hold a conversation that could turn awkward. Relations with the people in your life are meant to be fixed when the going gets rough, not thrown away.
Communication is the backbone of human relations. Why on Earth do we shy away from it?
Love.
Wholly. Fully. Completely. Without reserve.
Be all in. The people in your world- your family, your friends, your role-models, your significant others- they are not guaranteed to be here. So while they are, show them what they mean to you.
I attended a church service this past winter, and religious or not, a piece of Pastor Josh of Woodman Valley Chapel's sermon offers a significant thought:
"Loving well doesn't have to be complex, but it will always be intentional."
(in reference to Philippians 2:1-11)
Just like happiness, love does not have to be complicated. Love can be very simple. And just as happiness, it is a choice, rooted in intention.
***edited and revised by the wonderful JD Kiesewetter. P.S., you rock.***
