Almost three years ago we brought home a
tiny, golden furry friend. We named her Muffin because we thought it was apt
for the cute little goldie she was and the majestic golden retriever she would
grow up to be. While I would like to say that I fell in love with her
instantly, it would be a lie if I did. Well, I was no dog lover and having a
furry creature toddling around the house, pooping, peeing, nipping, shedding –
well, it was far from the rosy picture of owning a pet that I had in mind.
To cut a long story short, we took oodles
of time to get used to each other. We tip-toed around each other, gave it time
and space and went with the flow of things. As weeks turned into months, we
began understanding each other. “Oh, she really doesn’t like me chewing her
contact lens cases!” Muffin understood finally. “Oh, she doesn’t really mean to
bite when she comes hopping towards me for a quick nip!” I understood. We
understood lots of things about each other, and then some about life.
With Muffin by my side, I don’t really need
to look at books or posters for inspiration and life’s teachings. She’s taught
me so many things, much more than most people have. Here are five:
Don’t expend energy on
things/people/situations that you don’t like. Just ignore them and find something
better to focus on.
Live in the moment. Don’t mope about the
past or worry about the future. Enjoy the gift of the present moment.
There’s nothing like a good jog or a long
walk to clear your head.
Looking for inspiration? Just get out of
the house and look around. There will always be something interesting to enjoy.
Be nice most of the time and be fierce only
in situations that really demand it.
