Do You Know Who Always Wants To Go Outside?

Dogs are better than humans because they know, but do not tell. - Emily Dickinson

As many of us do, I tend to put myself and my needs after those I care about way too often. I read many self-help articles and affirmations that tell me to take care of myself first, and that "an empty vessel can't serve anyone else." I know it, I believe it, I preach it, but I don't always take my own advice. The one consistent place that I am able to live this would be my commitment to get outside every day. Fortunately, I am not the only one who gets to benefit from this commitment. I have a dog. <3

Dogs just get it. The magic of getting outside. Not just because they are required to go outdoors to do their business, but because that is where living beings are supposed to be. The simplicity of their wants and needs frees them to explore things like smells, and movement, and playfulness, without judgement or thought. They feel purposeful in the small tasks of chasing a rabbit or digging a deep hole to find the source of a scent. They understand their place in the whole scheme of their surroundings, at that very moment, without ever forming a cohesive thought. Can you imagine how liberating that must be?

As humans, we feel compelled to (over)think about everything, especially the events that are outside of our control. Worse, we tend to apply judgement to these things, creating an impossible place that boxes us in and robs us of seeing the joy in simple experiences. We curse the snow storm that forces us to adjust our schedule instead of sticking out our tongues to catch flakes. We look in the mirror and stare at the wrinkle or blemish instead of feeling gratitude for that lifelong companion looking back at us. But when we spend substantial time outside, with no other purpose than to just be there, it is virtually impossible to overthink or judge. You know, it makes us be a little less human and a little more dog-like.

I will probably continue to struggle at balancing the needs of others with my own needs for the foreseeable future, but I will continue to work at it. I will use that daily time in nature to keep my perspective and remind me of my priorities. Luckily, as long as I have a dog in my life, I don't have to choose whose need to get outside everyday will be met. In this case, everyone gets what they need.

Who is a good girl??!! We both are. ; )