Chasing Joy (and Beans): Life with My Overactive Pup

Chasing Joy (and Beans): Life with My Overactive Pup

Hey there, I’m Nee – a busy mom of three, and a full-time human to one wildly energetic dog named Beans. Life has always been busy, but ever since Beans bounced into our lives, the chaos has leveled up in the most unexpected (and exhausting) ways.

Beans isn’t just active. He’s next-level. He zooms, he digs, he barks at invisible squirrels, and if I so much as glance at his leash, he’s vibrating with joy. I used to think I was energetic… but keeping up with Beans has humbled me.

Some days, I feel like I’m running on fumes — juggling school runs, snacks, laundry mountains, and now, Bean-powered cardio. But despite the whirlwind, I’ve started to look at all this not as a drain, but as a new kind of adventure.

A Few Mindful Shifts That Help Me Keep Up (Sort Of):

1. Walks = Self-Care
   Instead of dreading the daily sprint, I’ve reframed our walks as my moment too. I pop in a podcast or just breathe deeply and let Beans remind me how good it feels to move.

2. 5-Minute Mindfulness
   I’ve started doing short guided meditations (even just 5 minutes!) while Beans chews on a toy. It’s not perfect silence, but it’s enough to reset my brain.

3. The Kids + Beans = Energy Outlet
   When possible, I get the kids involved. They play fetch, race him in the backyard, or even “train” him with treats. It’s fun for them, great for Beans, and gives me a bit of breathing room.

4. Lowering the Bar with Love
   Not every day has to be a perfect blend of dog-mom and supermom. Some days, we’re all just doing our best. And that’s enough.

5. Planning Tiny Joys
   I schedule something just for me once a week, even if it’s just a 15-minute coffee alone. It’s a small act of self-kindness, and it matters.

Affirmation

I am learning, growing, and doing my best. Beans is wild, but he is mine. Together, we are energy, joy, and chaos – and we’re figuring it out one day at a time.

So if you ever see a blur of fur followed by a frazzled woman in mismatched socks, that’s probably me and Beans. Life isn’t calm right now – but it’s full of love, laughter, and the occasional chewed-up shoe.

Sending love to all the fellow tired but trying parents, dog lovers, and humans just doing their best. 🐾💛