At least it is for me anyway.
And yeah, it sounds like something your elementary school teacher would make you care about.
But here’s the thing: the animals around us—especially the ones sleeping on our couches—have figured out something most humans haven’t.
They live in the present without Instagram quotes telling them how.
Last month we talked about making an effort with relationships and life. This month, we’re stealing notes from creatures who’ve mastered the art of being alive without overthinking it to death.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Animal Wisdom
Your cat doesn’t have anxiety about Monday morning.
Your dog doesn’t lie awake wondering if they’re living their best life.
That goldfish isn’t worried about optimization or productivity hacks.
They just… exist. Fully. Without apology.
Meanwhile, we’re over here reading self-help books about how to stay present while our pets demonstrate it daily.
The goal of this series: we’re looking at what animals—wild and domestic—can teach us about the things we complicate:
- Boundaries (ever try to pet a cat that doesn’t want it?)
- Community (wolves figured out teamwork before LinkedIn existed)
- Resilience (birds rebuild nests without filing insurance claims)
- Authenticity (animals don’t fake anything)
This isn’t about becoming one with nature or hugging trees…
or maybe it is
But it’s more so about noticing that while we’re busy optimizing our lives, the simplest creatures around us have already cracked the code.
They eat when hungry. Rest when tired. Fight when threatened. Love without conditions.
We’ve complicated what they keep simple.
Joe DiAndrea 