Pets are capable of amazing a joie de vivre, a complete abandonment to the fun of the moment. The ability to savour every moment and the capability to find intense joy in the simple things in life. A ball. Snow. Getting let out of the house. Playing. All very simple things that us humans can learn from. Following are some ways for us to live simple and in doing so to enjoy life more.

1. Savor every moment
To be in the moment is to live in the moment. Too often we are thinking ahead or looking ahead to the next event or circumstance, not appreciating the “here and now.” When you savor every moment, you are savoring the happiness in your life.

2. Find your calling
Some find meaning in religion or spirituality while others find purpose in their work or relationships. Finding your calling may be much more than accomplishing one simple thing for increasing your happiness, but having a sense of purpose – of feeling like you are here for a reason – can bring the greatest happiness of all.

3. Forget regret
We all make mistakes – always have and always will. Leave your mistakes and regrets in the past. These bumps don’t define your value or purpose in life, then or now. When you stay in the past you become stuck and unable to move forward. To begin learning how to put these experiences behind you – by letting them go, you can begin to live in the here and now.

4. Learn from failure
Learning from failure and having regret are two separate things. Regret is an emotion; a feeling of disappointment along with a modest amount of shame or guilt. But to look back at a circumstance and figure out what went wrong gives important information.

5. Listen, really listen
Listen without judgments or criticism. Try to avoid any self-referencing and be fully present for whoever needs it.

6. Be giving of your time and self
Great joy comes from giving to others. A small gesture, such as holding open a door for the person after you, costs nothing and might make someone’s day. The best simple and free gift you can give? A smile.

…ref: More Simple Ways to Live Happy | The BridgeMaker

To quote Bryant McGill, “the simple things in life are the greatest gifts.” All of the above are simple and easy to carry out and will bring to us the joy of living that our pets innately possess.