Be selective, and then be content with the stick you’ve chosen. I can only carry so much on my walk, so I tune out all the other sticks once I’ve picked one up.
Check in with your master. Being off the leash means I can go where I want. I find it comforting after I’ve run ahead for awhile to double back to make sure she’s still there. Keeping her in sight tells me I’m going the right way. Plus, I think it makes her happy. She shows me her teeth.
Stop & Listen. When we’re out on a walk, I’m not always sure what the difference is between sit and come, but, when I hear her voice I know it’s time to pay attention. I trust she wants what is best for me, so either word causes me to check in.
Embrace the Zoomies. I don’t see them coming. I don’t try to make them happen. I just go with them.
Enjoy what is in your bowl. Sometimes, with a bit of carefully timed side-eye, I can tweak a teensy bit of peanut butter, a spoonful of scrambled eggs, or a wodge of cheese on top of my kibble. But mostly I just chow down happily on what she puts before me.
Sniff and savor. Paying attention to the small things along the walk is the point of the walk. Since we always seem to wind up back at our own front door, I prefer noticing what’s along the trail over worrying about where I’m going. Stop and smell the roses. Then, lift your leg. This wisdom may not apply to all.
As you begin another year, may you take pleasure in the sticks you have chosen and find yummy goodness in your bowl. May joy take you by surprise on your journey every day, and may there be squirrels aplenty along the way.
Karna Eastlund Haugen 
Axel is so wise. Thanks for sharing him (and your thoughts) with us! Happy new year 🙂
What a wise dog! His advice fits all of us quite well. Great way to begin the New Year. You have inspired me to revive my writing.