10 Things Zoey & Lily Have Taught Me

• Be more present – It is so easy for us to stress about the tomorrows and what-ifs. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the moment you are in. #choosejoy
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• Greet your loved ones everyday – I work from home a majority of the week, but on the two days I work at my secretary job Zoey and Lily greet me when I arrive back home. Their tails wag, they have big smiles and their tongues are hanging out and sometimes I’ll even let them jump up and give me a hug. Take the time to greet your loved ones when they arrive home. A quick hug or kiss or a sweet compliment will make anyone’s day.
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• Play Everyday – And by play I do not mean Candy Crush on your iPhone. Grab a friend (furry or human) and go for a walk, play fetch, read, practice an instrument. It can be tough to put the screens down, but it feels so good to step away from them and enjoy other activities. Lily will actually paw at my phone if she thinks she is being ignored by me. That’s a sure sign that I have been on my phone for way too long.
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• Jump for Joy – When life is going well take the time to celebrate by jumping, spinning, or dancing. Lily does the cutest spin when she gets excited. She zooms in a circle three or four times and looks at you with the biggest smile ever!
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• Snuggle – My favorite part of the day is sitting down with Zoey and Lily and they both just want to be as close to me as possible. Next time you are watching TV with your family sit close, give a hug to your child, or play footsie with your spouse.
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• Accept Who You Are – Zoey and Lily love me for me. They don’t care that I have extra rolls, or that I am sensitive and cry at every single dog movie ever made, or that I am passionate about my business, or that sometimes I just like to be quiet. They love me for who I truly am. Be like Zoey and Lily and love yourself for who you were created to be.
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• Enjoy the Journey – Zoey and Lily LOVE going for a car ride, even if it’s a quick trip to the store. Zoey loves being able to stick her head out the window and feel the breeze on her. Lily sits contently on her spot in the car and has a big smile on her face (and of course her tongue is always sticking out). Enjoy the journey you are on, whether it is mundane or exciting.
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• Be Loyal – Our girls are so loyal to us. We found a secret garden to take Zoey and Lily to run around and play. We don’t need to leash them and they always return to us when we call them. At home they are my two little chicks as they follow me around as I tidy the house or work in my home-office. I’ll never forget a sad season that I went through and Zoey was constantly by my side. She knew my heart was hurting and chose to be as close to me as possible. I’ll never forget that. We can be loyal to our friends and family by being there for them. Be there for them during the good and the hard time.
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• Take a Nap – Clinton loves naps. He could seriously take a nap every single day if he could. Me? I don’t have time for naps. I’ll never forget a phrase my Grandpa Bargen use to say, “I’ll Sleep When I’m Died.” He was a pretty tough guy. Zoey and Lily take multiple naps a day and when they rise they are ready to play, snuggle or eat! I’m learning that it’s important to take a few minute to just rest. I may not need to actually sleep, but just to take a few quiet moments to myself to refocus and calm my ever-busy mind. 
  
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• Show Passion in Your Work – Hunting is Zoey and Lily’s absolute favorite! They are both bonkers for birds and could hunt all day long if Clinton let them. When Clinton tells them it is time to go hunting they race to the door and jump in his truck all while wagging their little tails. Out in the field they work hard to retrieve their pheasants and bring them back to Clinton. Whatever it is that most excites you, don’t be afraid of that passion and share it with others. Work hard in all you do and be proud of the hard work that you put into it. Just remember Lesson #9 – it’s okay to take a nap after an exciting work day!

 What has your pet taught you?