If you’ve been around here for a while, you know that it’s no secret that I’m obsessed with my dog. She’s the most crazy, energetic, perfect thing in the entire world and she never fails to entertain me.
One of my favorite things about Lily is the lessons that she teaches me… Every. Single. Day.
I wanted to share these lessons with you guys too, so here we go!
Lesson #1: Eat as much peanut butter as possible as often as possible.
Peanut butter is Lily’s own personal version of heaven.
I get a little bit too offended when people are afraid of eating peanut butter, or claim that it isn’t good for you. Sure, if you’re looking for a low-calorie sandwich topping, peanut butter (clocking in at 100-200 calories a serving) is probably not what you’re looking for. But if you’re looking for a deliciously nutritious add-in with protein for staying power, peanut butter is right up your alley!
Peanut butter is a delicious source of protein and healthy fats. Not to mention that it is jam-packed with a bunch of other nutritional benefits too!
“A serving of peanut butter has 3 mg of the powerful antioxidant vitamin E, 49 mg of bone-building magnesium, 208 mg of muscle-friendly potassium, and 0.17 mg of immunity-boosting vitamin B6. Research shows that eating peanuts can decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that consuming 1 ounce of nuts or peanut butter (about 2 tablespoons) at least 5 days a week can lower the risk of developing diabetes by almost 30%.”
For more on the nutritional benefits of peanut butter, click here!
Don’t be afraid of peanut butter! And let’s be honest, pretty much everything tastes better when you add the good old PB to it.
Lesson #2: Take time to snuggle.
Whether it be snuggling up in a blanket after a long day..
Snuggling up with one of your favorite people…
Snuggling up with a furry friend..
Or even just snuggling up in a pair of your comfiest pajamas..
Snuggling makes everything better. Take it from one of the best snugglers around.
Lesson #3: Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full.
Lily is weird. She only eats when she’s hungry, and she stops when she’s full. But if you’re at all familiar with the term “intuitive eating”, she might be onto something.
At one time or another, we’ve all eaten when we weren’t really hungry. I’ve done it. You’ve done it. We’ve all done it.
Whether it be ordering that box of popcorn at the movies after dinner, snacking during a TV show for no particular reason, or even just eating meals at the same time every day because that’s what we’ve learned that we’re “supposed to do”, it’s not at all uncommon to eat just to eat.
Fitness Magazine claims that the 7 reasons that we eat when we’re not hungry are:
1.) To cope
2.) Out of boredom
3.) Because other people are eating
4.) Because food is there
5.) Because you’re tired
6.) Because the clock says so
7.) Because it’s free
…..and I have no problem admitting that I am guilty of all of those. But I also want to try not to be. I think I need to be a little more like Lily.
Lesson #4: Set aside time for naps when you need them.
Sometimes life gets downright exhausting.
Lily is a constant reminder of the value of a good nap.
She hits the pillow hard, and wakes up ready to go. I think we all need to take more naps.
Many studies have shown that napping has amazing health benefits such as boosting alertness, improving learning and memory, increasing creativity, lifting your spirits, reducing stress and boosting productivity. Are you serious? I have all of the excuses I need.
Lesson #5: Running will bring you happiness. Run as often as you can.
There is nothing that makes Lily happier than the opportunity to get outside and run like the wind.
And even though some days it might be a little hard for me to lace up my shoes and get out the door, I am ALWAYS happier after a long run with my favorite running buddy.
Endorphins are a wonderful thing.
Lesson #6: Dance like no one’s watching.
Don’t be afraid to let loose and get your groove on every once and a while.
Lesson #7: Everyone is a potential friend. Don’t be afraid to say hi.
Lily is the least shy animal in the history of animals.
Sometimes I’m jealous of her ability to put herself out there and be BFFs with everyone she comes into contact with.
Lesson #10: Don’t be afraid to bark back.
Lily is not afraid to let everyone/anything know how she feels about whatever happens to be going on in her life at that time.
If you wake her up in the morning before she’s ready..
you’ll know it.
Sometimes I have a difficult time saying “no” to people and/or speaking up about my true feelings and it is something that I am trying to work on. I think it’s important to know how to “bark back” when you need to.
Lesson #11: If at first you don’t succeed…
try, try again.
