Let me introduce you to a very special member of my family—Mia, my little Maltese dog. She may be tiny, but she’s bursting with energy, personality, and love. Mia is more than just a pet; she’s a constant source of joy, comfort, and laughter in our lives.
Dogs, in general, are extraordinary creatures. They trust and love you unconditionally. In a world where people come and go, chase better options, or drift apart, the loyalty of a dog is unwavering. It’s a kind of love that’s hard to put into words—pure, honest, and wholehearted.
I’ve been a dog lover for as long as I can remember. My parents were animal lovers themselves, and their affection for furry companions naturally shaped my own. I often see parents today passing their fear of animals on to their children, and every time I witness that, I feel a little heartbroken. In doing so, they’re unintentionally depriving their kids of a beautiful, life-shaping experience.
Beyond the well-documented scientific benefits of growing up with pets—like improved immunity, lower anxiety, and better social skills—there’s something even more powerful: emotional connection. Having a pet teaches empathy, responsibility, and kindness in a way that no textbook ever could. I’m deeply grateful to my parents for instilling in me a love for animals; it’s one of the best gifts they could have given me.
Now, back to Mia. She’s a little cuddle monster who demands constant attention—and I mean constant. If my husband and I are having a conversation, she insists on being part of it. She’ll plop herself between us or start barking as if to say, “Hey! Don’t leave me out!” Her days are wonderfully simple: play, sleep, eat, and repeat. And honestly, there’s something so beautiful about that rhythm—living in the moment, finding joy in the little things.
Mia reminds me every day to pause, to love fully, and to be present. She’s not just a dog. She’s family. And I couldn’t imagine life without her. Living with Mia—my tiny Maltese with a giant heart—has opened up a whole new dimension of emotional and spiritual learning for me. She may not speak my language, but every day, in her own gentle, exuberant, and unfiltered way, she teaches me how to live more fully. Here are some of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from her:
- 1. Ask for What You Need (Without Apology)
- 2. Forgive Instantly and Love Wholeheartedly
- 3. Celebrate the Everyday
- 4. Say It With Your Presence
- 5. Create Rituals and Honor Them
- 6. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Joy
- 7. Stay Curious
- 8. Say “I Love You” Often—and Loudly
- 9. Rest When You’re Tired
- 10. Live in the Moment—It’s All We Really Have
1. Ask for What You Need (Without Apology)
Mia never hesitates to ask for affection. If I’m working or distracted, she’ll gently nudge my hand, climb into my lap, or gaze at me with eyes that say, “Just five minutes of love, please?” She doesn’t feel guilty about needing comfort or company.
What I learned: We, on the other hand, hesitate. We suppress our needs for fear of seeming needy, dramatic, or too much. But asking for love, support, or a moment to breathe shouldn’t feel like a weakness—it’s a deeply human act of connection. Mia reminds me that it’s not only okay to need others, it’s beautiful. And asking for a hug, a break, or a little more kindness doesn’t make you less—it makes you real.
2. Forgive Instantly and Love Wholeheartedly
I’ve accidentally stepped on Mia’s paw or forgotten to take her out for her favorite walk. But she never sulks or seeks revenge. The moment I offer a smile, she’s already moved on—tail wagging, heart wide open.
What I learned: Humans are experts at holding on—resentments, past wrongs, disappointments. But what if we let go faster? What if we didn’t wait for apologies or perfect resolutions before opening our hearts again? Mia forgives with her whole being and loves without hesitation. That kind of emotional freedom is rare—and worth emulating.
3. Celebrate the Everyday
For Mia, a crinkly packet, a bird on the balcony, or a familiar footstep is cause for full-body excitement. Life isn’t mundane to her—it’s magic in motion.
What I learned: We race through our days, often waiting for big events to feel alive. But Mia celebrates the “small” stuff like it’s the best part of her day. And maybe it is. There’s something sacred in noticing the joy of an ordinary moment and treating it like a blessing. Because, honestly, it is.
4. Say It With Your Presence
Mia doesn’t always need to do anything to show love. She’ll just curl up next to me while I work, or sit quietly as I sip tea. Her company, her stillness—it’s comfort without words.
What I learned: Presence is a love language we often forget. We get caught up in grand gestures and miss the quiet power of simply being there. Mia reminds me that sometimes, just sharing space in silence is enough to make someone feel seen and loved.
5. Create Rituals and Honor Them
Mia knows her routine like clockwork—morning snuggles, breakfast, her favorite patch of sunlight by the window, evening walks. These rituals aren’t rigid—they’re sacred. They give her a sense of calm and belonging.
What I learned: In a world that constantly shifts, routines can ground us. They can create emotional stability, especially in overwhelming times. Mia taught me to honor the rituals that nourish my soul—whether it’s morning journaling, Sunday pancakes, or that daily walk where I breathe and just be.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Joy
When Mia is happy, she doesn’t hold back. She spins in wild circles, makes adorable yipping sounds, and does her signature “happy dance.” It’s pure, unfiltered joy.
What I learned: Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to dim our happiness—to be cool, reserved, or understated. But Mia shows me what freedom looks like: laughing loudly, dancing like no one’s watching, and letting joy take up space. Why mute a feeling so beautiful?
7. Stay Curious
Mia investigates every corner like it holds a secret. Even places she’s seen a hundred times are worthy of a second look. The world is endlessly fascinating to her.
What I learned: Curiosity is a lost art in adulthood. We stop asking questions, stop exploring, and stick to the familiar. But Mia reminds me that wonder is everywhere—if we stay open to it. Curiosity keeps the spirit youthful and the mind awake.
8. Say “I Love You” Often—and Loudly
Mia doesn’t hide her affection. Whether I’ve been away for an hour or all day, she greets me with the same level of explosive joy and warmth. She lets me know I’m her favorite person, again and again.
What I learned: Why do we wait for birthdays, crises, or anniversaries to tell people we love them? Life is unpredictable. Say it now. Say it often. Mia has taught me that love, when expressed freely, has the power to soften every hard edge of the day.
9. Rest When You’re Tired
Mia doesn’t believe in pushing through. If she’s sleepy, she sleeps—without guilt. She listens to her body without shame or second-guessing.
What I learned: We live in a world that glamorizes burnout and idolizes being “booked and busy.” But Mia reminds me that rest is not just important—it’s healing. We don’t have to earn our rest. We are allowed to pause simply because we need it.
10. Live in the Moment—It’s All We Really Have
Mia doesn’t dwell on the past or worry about what’s next. She lives now. She enjoys every bite, every breeze, every cuddle like it’s the first and last.
What I learned: Mindfulness isn’t a trend. It’s a way of life. Mia taught me that this moment—this very breath—is all I truly have. If I’m always waiting for the next thing, I’m missing the only thing that’s real: the now.
The Smallest Creatures Can Be Our Greatest Teachers
Mia may be little, but the lessons she teaches are mighty. In her simplicity, I’ve found profound truths. In her love, I’ve found grounding. And in her presence, I’ve found peace.
She didn’t come into my life to be a teacher—but that’s exactly what she became.
Follow my instragram page to follow daily journey of Mia the Maltese.
