Live More Like Moose

Lessons from our dog!

Written by Jess, Edited by Jenna

Moose is our dog. A 6-year-old Australian Labradoodle. And recently, I have been thinking about living more like Moose! Here’s why.

Every morning, Moose wakes up with pure joy. No complaints. No snooze button. She’s simply excited to start the day - to play, give kisses, eat breakfast, and head out for a walk. It’s the same every morning, like clockwork. Her enthusiasm is contagious.

Not only does she wake up with such positivity, but whether you are gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours, she greets you when you get home - exactly the same way. Right at the door, running to get her favorite toy to play with you. It’s definitely her way of showing love. I have started to channel Moose when other people come home. I stop what I am doing, get up, and greet them. Try it. It feels good both ways - as the greeter and the one arriving home.

Like most dogs, Moose has her favorite spots. Usually, she is perched on the top of the couch, looking out the window. If not, she is begging to go outside to stretch out in the sun. After living a year without any outdoor space, she doesn’t take it for granted. She clearly finds peace in lying in the sun and watching neighbors walk by. I am with you, Moose. Nothing is better than California sunshine!

Moose also knows exactly when it is time to call it a day. It’s amazing how she can tell time. Around 5pm, she starts circling and staring - her not-so-subtle clue that it’s time for dinner and a walk. And as the night gets later, she knows exactly how to unwind. She is calm, cuddly, and completely at ease. Less playing. Just relaxing.

So as I channel more Moose into my everyday life, I am going to do things more her way - waking up with pure joy, greeting the people I love, finding the sunshine, slowing down, and appreciating it all. Live more like Moose. She seems to have it figured out!

Next steps:

• How can you slow down and live a little more like Moose this week?

• One of our students said he sometimes talks to himself like he would talk to his dog. Give it a try this week!