I spend Diwali this weekend with my family. As my mother prepared us traditional Indian food for this occasion, I played with my pet dog Raja.

I don’t live at home anymore, so I don’t get to spend as much time with him. But whenever I want to relax and get out of my zone, I spend time with Raja. He is an absolute bundle of love and goodness!

It strikes me how much this tiny beautiful creature has taught me since he’s come into our lives. Here are the 5 secrets of happiness he taught me:

Living Moment by Moment

Sometimes, when I’m watching television, I see Raja playing with an empty plastic bottle. He rolls around the carpet and kicks his tiny legs in the air, playing with the plastic bottle. He does it with so much passion and liveliness that it startles me.

I call out his name and his ears always perk up when he hears his name, but this time when I say his name, he doesn’t bother looking up. He’s too absorbed in his plastic bottle of joy. He’s completely present and giving his all to that moment.

When you live by the moment, you don’t over think. You find yourself deeply fulfilled in the present moment.

His Entire Day is a Great Big Exploration of Life

Raja goes around in our house smelling every nook and corner of our rooms. He is curious, wondering what I or my family members are doing when we dress up or go to the kitchen. Raja marvels at every thing and everyone. For him, the day is a great big exploration of life.

It taught me how to shift my perspective and see a completely different view to something. I could find happiness and peace in ways and places I didn’t know existed.

Loving Unconditionally

As soon as I walk into my house, Raja races to the door, wags his tail, and jumps all around my feet. He jumps up and down with joy and when I bend down, he plops a huge, messy kiss on my face. He loves with all his heart and soul.

His love is pure that it brings tears to my eyes. When I’m feeling sad over something, Raja comes and licks the tears off my cheeks. I may not be in a good mood or always be present, but Raja is always there no matter what.

Never Holding a Grudge

I may not be in a good mood and not take him for his walk on time. No matter what, he never holds a grudge. His love remains unconditional and he forgets about everything. He forgives immediately.

This is something I could learn. I can learn to let go and forgive myself and others. I’ll be able to live my life with more love and happiness.

Finding Joy in Simple Things

I see Raja playing with empty water bottles or chasing a butterfly in our backyard often. Raja’s face lights up when he does these things. Often, I get too absorbed in work and the race of life to notice that there is much I can be grateful for. I should stop and smell the flower once in a while and enjoy life to the fullest.

What are your secrets of happiness you learned from children or pets? I would love to know! Please share with me in the comments!