The Five Most Crucial Things Needed to Live Your Best Life
Do you ever wonder why we call dogs “man’s best friend?” This got me thinking…. In April of this year, we chose to downsize and move. While there were definitely ups and downs of the moving process, we gained a BIG back yard that our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Arnie, loves to run, romp, eat grass and frolic like a toddler. Many days, Arnie lives his life so much like a human. I mean we have basic needs and wants as human beings and Arnie has so many of the same needs. Here me out on this, five of the things Arnie loves and needs to be happy are the same things we need as humans in order to live our best lives, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
We Need Community
We all long for community. Whether it is a few friends or a larger gathering, we are all looking for ways to be part of a group. If you are like me, you want a place to show up just as you are (hence why Women Empowering Women has been so meaningful for me and others). Arnie longs for community too!
He literally waits patiently every morning, rain or shine, (okay maybe not patiently everyday), to go on a walk. I honestly think he LOVES to announce to the neighborhood and his friends that he is coming out (as if they’re paparazzi awaiting his arrival). He barks specifically five houses down for his friend Gottrfried, the Great Pyrnees. Now granted Gottfried is in his yard and Arnie leashed in the street - but they definitely communicate their morning hellos. We then change streets and Arnie is sure to bark his greetings for the few houses that have dogs. We haven’t met these dogs - but you can tell he is eager for them to meet and to come play. And now that we have a big backyard occasionally we have a few playmates that come over. It is amazing to me how pouty Arnie is if he is alone and how on fire and energetic he is when he has friends over. Sound familiar?
We Need Movement
Okay this one is a little obvious, but as humans we need to move. Arnie just loves to run/walk and throw his nose into the grass and leaves, as we tromp down the street. There are days he returns covered in dirt and leaves - but I know he’s having fun, getting in his ¾ mile walk and encouraging others to do the same!
You see, he’s my daily reminder to move. And if he doesn’t get his morning walk in until afternoon or maybe it just didn't happen, you can tell! He pouts and pouts and pouts. If he sees you put your shoes on he will nip at your heels as if to say, “hey, you forgot about me. It’s important, mom. We have to see our friends and we have to MOVE. It lifts your spirits, remember!”
Dancing is Medicine
Everyone loves dancing. This year I sort of forgot how much I love music and dancing “like no one is watching”. My balance was a little off after surgery and I have been working on spending time in the morning (before our daily movement) in silence and reflection. I am trying to calm my thoughts, work on mindfulness, and I am developing my practice of reflection. (Yes, I am a routine junkie - more on that in a future blog).
So when I turned on a little “Santa Baby” while cooking the other day - Arnie and I danced, I mean full out danced. He twirled and jumped up and did a 360 and then did a little bark as if to say, “Hey look mom I am dancing”. I was BEAMING, like big bright - oooh I forgot how much joy dancing brings. So look out - Arnie and I are working on a special routine for the new year!
Mess Ups Happen
Ok, let’s face it, we all mess up. Sometimes it is the kind that got you grounded as a kid or you did something that an apology just won’t fix. Chances are you mess up in some way every day - because you’re human. The question is are you okay with it?
Historically, I was not. I strived for perfection (okay I know that is not realistic. Some habits take longer to UNLEARN if you know what I mean). Recently, I decided I needed to put gas in the car, I’d secretly stop at Target and drive up to pick up a few things, and heck, I’d even take Arnie. Well, Arnie was in the car, I got out to pump gas, I left the keys, my wallet, my cell phone and my water in the car with Arnie. My car was in the shop, so I was in an unfamiliar car and if we’re being honest I didn’t know what all the buttons did.
Well, next thing I know Arnie is locked in the car. How in the hades does that happen? Beats me since it was a 2024 newish rental car. I thought it was impossible to lock the keys inside these new fancy vehicles?! Arnie kept smiling as I literally walked from side of the car to side of the car to try and entice him to hit the unlock button. He panted, smiled, looked cute. Meanwhile, with every second that passed, I could feel my anxiety rise. Here Arnie was the one in potential danger (and could sense something was wrong, you know how dogs have that sixth sense) and it was as if he was trying to remind me to slow down, take a breath, and relax.
Thankfully the nice lady on pump 11 could tell something wasn’t quite right (see, another reminder that we all need community). She proceeded to call her friend at the police station, she texted my husband, and voila - all within a few minutes a young officer appeared to help us. Moral of the story? Mess ups happen. But eventually they work themselves out and become lessons or something you can laugh at down the road.
We Deserve Affection
Lastly, Arnie loves to snuggle, lay on your lap, lick your face, anything to be right with you. He is such a social boy. As humans aren’t we often the same way?
Maybe we treat ourselves to a walk in nature or a hot latte or a long bath. Perhaps we reach out to touch someone in a conversation, and we greet friends and family with a hug. You see, our four-legged friends are no different. They want the pats, the hugs, the dances, and of course the treats. I mean who could forget the treats! All of this reminds us that we are better together, snuggled up, sharing kindness, love and affection.
What dogs can teach us about living our best life
So what does all of this mean in the context of living your best life? Well, sometimes all we need is a shift in perspective. So, if you’re in a slump and struggling to live your best life, seeing more questions than answers, and feeling more doubt than confidence - think of it through the eyes of your four legged friends! Maybe for you it means saying something nice to a stranger in the grocery store just because or maybe taking your four legged friend down the street to dance with his/her friends. I promise it will bring you joy! In the meantime, if you’re in the Dallas area, look out for mine and Arnie’s dance moves. Until next time…..
In case we haven’t met, I’m Rebecca. a spunky, Jesus- loving entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and wine enthusiast on a mission to help go-getter women cultivate a happier and more fulfilling life by establishing healthy routines with sustainable, high quality food, beverages, and nutrition supplements. I want to help you live your best life! Here are a few ways to get started:
Download my Dinner & Wine Pairing Guide full of 10 days of nourishing meals & their perfect wine pairings and an invitation to a slower, more intentional way of life.
Try Clean Crafted Wine. Wine that is free of artificial ingredients & added sugar, so you can enjoy your glass of wine guilt free (without sacrificing on quality.)
Lose weight and get your energy back with Zallevo. The nutrition based and science backed supplements that have redefined energy, health, and vitality for myself and dozens of my clients.
Local to Dallas? Looking for a community of empowering women to network with? Each month I host a free in-person event for women in our community to gather and connect. Join us at our next event!
