Feel Like Complaining? Think Like A Dog

We often see examples of victimhood on social media and in the news—people who define themselves by their turmoils and trumpet them loudly. This uplifting talk reminds us that life can be about joy—no matter what we might be facing. And for a helpful example of this, we can simply look to a three-legged dog for inspiration.

Transcript

Hi,

My name is Greg McBride and I teach meditation here on Insight Timer,

As well as write books,

Movies,

TV,

And try and share the advice that I've learned over the years that has helped me in times of need.

So I'm happy to share that advice with you.

And in this moment,

I wanted to talk about complaining,

Because life really can be about joy,

No matter what we might be facing.

So that's why I suggest next time you feel like complaining,

To think like a dog.

And let me explain.

Many of us have already realized that our pets can often be our best mentors when it comes to living with more presence in every moment,

Not to mention being our authentic selves and loving unconditionally.

But there are times that maybe we could remind ourselves to do a little less complaining and live with a little more gratitude.

And that's when we can look to dogs for another helpful reminder.

Like many of you listening,

I often find myself getting caught up in the angst of the everyday.

So many things demand our attention,

Our phones,

Computers,

TVs,

Even friends and family.

Add a would-be disaster or two to the mix,

Whether happening to us directly or something we've become enraged about after reading or watching the news,

And we have all the potential to become undone.

And this is to say nothing of financial,

Physical,

Or medical ailments that can suddenly remind us of how fragile our world and even our lives are.

We see examples of victimhood all the time on social media.

Friends who lament about everything they're going through on Facebook,

For example.

The news.

Politicians who gripe about witch hunts when they've clearly brought on much of the hullabaloo surrounding them,

Themselves.

And also,

In the mirror.

That's right.

Even you and I have the potential to catch ourselves living life with a glass half-empty mentality,

Quick to list our complaints to anyone who asks rather than tell people what's good in our lives.

And yes,

No matter what we might be going through,

There are always positive things that can be acknowledged.

At moments like these,

When victimhood might start taking control of us,

When catching ourselves complaining and listing why we're more than miserable as if we're in a contest to win most trouble of the month,

I suggest thinking of a three-legged dog who,

For one reason or another,

Has had one of his or her legs amputated.

As someone who volunteers his time with animal rescue groups,

This is something I see fairly regularly,

With both dogs and cats.

And for anyone listening to this who has a dog,

You've likely seen a three-legged dog if you've taken your pooch to a dog park in recent years.

For example,

Think about that three-legged dog you might have seen.

I bet he or she was playing,

Chasing,

Digging,

Provoking,

Cuddling,

Drinking water,

Maybe watching cars drive by.

In other words,

Doing just about everything except bemoaning not having as many limbs as other dogs in the park.

Think about it.

A three-legged dog never approaches its owners with a victim mentality.

Even without the gift of speech,

These dogs with amputated limbs communicate joy,

Happy as can be,

Never limited by whatever circumstances they've encountered up till then.

The same is true with cats and kittens who might not have use of their hind legs and have to drag themselves to move or play,

And then have to rely on kind humans to express them several times a day since they can't go to the bathroom on their own.

And yet I've seen these dogs in the past,

And I'm sure you've seen them in the past,

And yet I've seen these beautiful creatures playing with toys,

Accepting belly rubs,

And purring non-stop.

No complaints,

No constant listing of the trials they've lived through.

I challenge anyone who's met a three-legged dog or pet to think of an exception.

These are happy animals who are dedicated to living their lives to the fullest.

No need to announce they're different,

Or that they've lived through trauma before this moment.

So why do we,

As humans,

Feel the need to post,

Announce,

Or discuss whatever challenges we might be going through with anyone who asks how we're doing?

Of course we can discuss important issues with close friends or a therapist when it has the potential to lead to problem solving,

Acceptance,

And inner growth.

But otherwise,

We're just trumpeting our losses to anyone who will listen,

Spreading more fear,

Anxiety,

And even regret into the world.

Life really can be about joy,

No matter what we might be facing or going through.

Following the lead of a three-legged dog doesn't mean we are going to ignore our circumstances.

Just that we're choosing to live our best lives no matter what else is going on.

Imagine the example we'd be setting for others,

Whether family members,

Children,

Work associates,

Friends,

Or even strangers.

Suddenly we could be a three-legged dog in human form,

With or without all our limbs.

Accepting,

Happy,

Joyful,

Present.

And for this,

We would definitely deserve a treat.

I really appreciate you listening to this perspective.

If you're going through something right now,

Please comment about it.

And please know,

I'm sending everyone listening such positive energy.

Let's continue to find and shine the light together.

Again,

This is Greg McBride.

Thank you for listening.

Reviews

Thank you so much for this! A strange thing I am finding since having a regular gratitude practice is that life can real deal you a tough hand but if you remain grateful for all that you have and the world around you, it really does help you navigate the storms! This year we have dealt with fertility issues and failed IVF, the loss of our gorgeous 15yo rescue dog Boris (who taught us so much about resilience, patience and joy), grieving over losing grandparents unexpectedly, work struggles, and daily life - and yet somehow we are still happy. Last week was one of the worst weeks on paper, but it brought me closer to the people who I love. Allowing my close friends and family into my inner world and opening up to them about my struggles has allowed them to feel the fuzzy warm feeling you get from helping someone, and I have felt propped up, and loved. I wouldn’t change the hardships because they are increasingly showing me I can handle life’s storms and have so much to be grateful for. This session came at a great time for me 😊

I have an incontinent two-legged rescue dog (he was found in a ditch in Kentucky with his back broken) who has a *very* grumpy attitude most of the time due to his chronic pain and recurring bladder infections…yet he still loves to flop around in the snow, bark his darn fool head off at squirrels, and crawl into my lap for a cuddle. I admire his ability to live in the moment.

Thank you so much Greg. I so needed to hear this today and to remember ALLt hat I have to be grateful for. Thank you

We can learn so much from our pets and this was a lovely reminder. Thank you

This has soothed my ‘seeking’ and reminded me… ‘happiness in the now’ Thank You xxx I appreciated listening to this 💜🦋🌈🦋💜

MARCH 22, 2025

This was a novel and really neat metaphor.

Thanks.

~ TED

Thank you for this reminder of the joy available to us in life.

Thank you for this reminder! I too work with sick/injured animals and have seen some unique things. For the last 5 months I have been dealing with a significant medical situation that at times has me very angry about how it has limited and changed my life. I am however lucky to be alive and have luved through it rather then having been killed by it. My husband and our animals along with an increadible support system keep me going.

I have a two legged dog. He goes chasing birds and other dogs just like a regular 4 legged dog

I so agree! Animals have been and still are an incredibly positive force in my life. Many thanks

Everything positive I have learned in life is from my dog. 🐕

This is beautifull. You’ve given me something to aspire to.

First off thank you for helping dogs and cats in need. Anybody that opens their heart to that I will listen to as I do it myself. Thank you for this talk it was absolutely perfect. Very grateful you are on this platform

Thank you Greg for the reminder of what is important 🐕 dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason. They really do know how to live and be greatful

Awww!!! This was such a cute example that sparked joy for me. ☺️☺️ short and sweet. 🩷I will return to this one for sure.

😅 Thank you! I spend a couple of hours every day at one dog park or another. 3 legged dogs. 2 legged dogs with wheels they barge around on. Old dogs, blind dogs, deaf dogs...as soon as the leash is off, off they go! My arthritic old deaf guy is cocking his eye at me. Probably wanting to know why I am on my phone rather than handing out belly rubs! At least once a week, somebody in The Pack I walk with says we should all be more like our dogs. Magnificent goodball creatures that they are.

I Love this story and I can relate when I was a child spending time with a 3 legged dog in our neighborhood. He was always so much fun and he never realized he had a disability. Yes, dogs and cats teach us many lessons when we stop to watch and listen. Thank you 😊 🐾🐈‍⬛

Hi Gregg! Enjoyed your thoughts. The answer to why people have to post what they’re going through on social media is simple in my opinion. I think most of us have become attention whores. I think society rewards and encourages victimhood rather than personal accountability. Along with posting challenges- most feel the need to post pictures and seek validation in their lives due to emotional insecurity and immaturity. I know. I was one of them. I’ve left most social media because I don’t need that- I don’t need fake “friends” and I don’t need to be anyone’s audience for their show off stuff. I’m much happier, healthier and secure than I’ve ever been. Thank you for the observations of a three legged dog. Very eye opening and meaningful how these animals make the most of what they’re given. Blessings to you.

Thanks for sharing this simple advice. Dogs live in the present moment and shake off their troubles so much more easily than people. I’ve rescued 4 blind dogs who never complained and who lived in joy every day. 🙏

Thank you 🙏