My family recently lost our beloved cat, Misty. She was 22 years old, a rich and long life for that of an animal, but as fellow animal lovers know, a huge loss for her family.

Thinking about Misty I am reminded how much we sophisticated and intellectual humans can learn from our animal friends. Not only by the genuine way they represent themselves, but also how they see us. Our pets see us as perfect. They dont notice our laugh lines, a few extra pounds, or a mispronounced word. They see us as we once saw ourselves at about the age of three or four years old, before we taught ourselves to focus on minor imperfections and to morph ourselves into people we are not in order to impress others or simply fit in.

They see the authentic self behind our facades. In their loving eyes we are successful by simply being ourselves. They believe in us and know there is nothing we cant do. After all, we throw a ball perfectly and can do it over and over again, we are the best chefs, not to mention masseuses, and we love to surprise them with special gifts and treats.

Remember when you were a child and the world was your oyster. You were always your authentic self and did not care about what other people thought. As adults, many of us are only able to experience this freedom with our pets.

As a Life Coach, I encourage you to focus on how your pet sees you and try to remember how you felt about yourself and what you enjoyed around the age of three or four. Your pet and your inner child know you are perfect and whole the way you are. There is nothing that can hold you back from your goal, except your own mindset. Love and see yourself as your pet does and there will be nothing you cant conquer!

In memory of Misty Hummel. Through her loving eyes I always knew I was perfect just the way I am.