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We all know that it’s not great to sweat the small stuff. Being at peace with what we cannot control is an excellent way to live, and going with the flow can eliminate plenty of unnecessary stress from our lives. So if you’re looking for a masterclass on how to stay cool, calm and collected, allow me to introduce you to the This Is My Life Now subreddit.

We’ve gathered some of the best photos of animals and humans hilariously accepting the bizarre circumstances they’ve found themselves in, so be sure to upvote the pics you find most inspiring. Keep reading to also find an interview with Board Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Megan E. Maxwell, and remember to stay cool as a cucumber while viewing these posts. It’s all good, pandas. This is your life now...

To learn more about how animals can be so accepting of bizarre circumstances, such as the ones featured in these photos, we reached out to Board Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Owner of Pet Behavior Change, Dr. Megan E. Maxwell. She told Bored Panda, "Some animals are much better than others at accepting strange or new experiences. This can vary by species and also by each individual animal's learning experiences."

We were also curious how common it is for animals to befriend someone of another species. "Most animals do best interacting comfortably and safely with other species when they interact with that other species from the time they are very young," Dr. Maxwell explained. "For example, cats raised with birds or rodents from the time they are kittens are much less likely to hunt or hurt those critters later in life, and many can live happily together as playmates. However, if those same cats first encountered a bird or mouse as adults, their hunting instincts are more likely to kick in."

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    #2

    From R/Mademesmile

    From R/Mademesmile

    xd_Lolitron Report

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    RafCo (he/him/ele)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they lay on you, you're required to stay until they decide to move. Poor little guy needs puppy love too

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    We also asked Dr. Maxwell if these animals are likely to understand when they're in an out of the ordinary situation. "Most animals are likely aware when a situation is new or different, but some may show more obvious or overt signs of fear, distress, overexcitement, or avoidance, while others may seem less bothered by novel or strange situations," she told Bored Panda.

    If you’re not familiar with the This Is My Life Now subreddit, the concept is pretty simple. “This is a subreddit with gifs or pics of people and animals accepting their uncommon situations,” their ‘About Community’ page states. And clearly, the subreddit has resonated with many people. It has been around for 9 years and has amassed an impressive 1.1 million members. There are only a few rules that the moderators enforce: no recent reposts, no low-effort posts, content must be associated with the subreddit, and no pornography. Aside from that, it’s all just chill vibes in This Is My Life Now.

    And why wouldn’t it be? Because as silly as many of these photos are, there’s no question that self-acceptance is important for living a peaceful life. According to Dr. Meghan Marcum, PsyD, one of the benefits of self-acceptance is being more capable of dealing with life’s challenges. When we worry less about what others are thinking of us, we can focus on what’s really important and view situations more clearly, analyzing both our strengths and weaknesses without judgment.  

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    #6

    The Resignation In The Second Photo Gets Me

    The Resignation In The Second Photo Gets Me

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    Some of the trademark characteristics of self-acceptance that Dr. Marcum explained for Verywell Mind are being able to fairly recognize what you’re good and bad at; embracing all parts of yourself; accepting your values, preferences, resources, feelings, intuitions and actions both past and present; recognizing your accomplishments without being vain; recognizing your weaknesses and faults without being overly critical; having a positive attitude towards yourself without needing others’ approval; seeing yourself as a whole human being, rather than defining yourself by any single characteristic; and being able to love and respect yourself.

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    On the other hand, when we have a hard time accepting ourselves and our circumstances, low self-esteem can lead to a host of troubles, including struggling with mental health conditions, having a fear of failure, avoiding people or situations that trigger negative feelings within us, having relationship issues, and engaging in self-hatred or negative self-talk.     

    #8

    Border Collie Working From Home

    Border Collie Working From Home

    HerminiaWanke Report

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    #9

    An Average Husky Next To A Grey Wolf

    An Average Husky Next To A Grey Wolf

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    “Without self-acceptance, people essentially devalue themselves and this often has a negative impact on all areas of their life, including their work, friends, family, health, and well-being,” Dr. Marcum told Verywell Mind. That’s why we should all aspire to be like the people and animals featured on this list. No, we shouldn’t be pushovers or doormats. But we should be adaptable! If a kitten sits on your back, no big deal. If you’re a dog and your human swaddles you in a blanket, just go with the flow. This is your life now. Anger and frustration are totally justified in the right circumstances, but when something is truly no big deal, why act like it is?

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    #12

    Sleepy Squirrel

    Sleepy Squirrel

    Wilder-move Report

    When it comes to learning self-acceptance, Dr. Marcum provided some tips. She notes that it’s important to embrace your values, set healthy boundaries, forgive yourself, avoid self-blame, don’t compare yourself to others, and focus on positivity. Dr. Marcum also recommends keeping a journal, trying out loving-kindness meditation and seeking help from a professional to further your journey towards self-acceptance. It’s not always easy to be as chill with your current scenario as all of the animals and people featured on this list, but if you do the work to get there, it’s definitely worth the effort.  

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    Shonna Waters, PhD wrote a piece for BetterUp examining the path to self-acceptance, and she dove into what some of its driving factors can be. “Some people are naturally more self-accepting than others. Have you ever wondered why that is? It’s because our childhood experiences affect our levels of self-acceptance as adults,” Dr. Waters writes. “Our parents or caregivers are the first ones to teach us which aspects of us are acceptable and which aren’t,” she goes on to explain. “As children, we learn only to accept the parts of ourselves that they deem acceptable. We judge the other parts of ourselves as wrong, and we reject, suppress, and try to hide them. But the problem is that these judgments are arbitrary. They depend on the values and priorities of your parents or caregivers.”

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    So if you have a difficult time with self-acceptance, don’t be too hard on yourself. The way you grew up likely plays a part in it, but it doesn’t have to forever. “Different emotions are considered acceptable in different families,” Dr. Waters goes on to explain. “If you grew up in a family in which anger was unacceptable, you might be unable to accept the parts of yourself that feel anger or rage. Parenting style also plays a role in your levels of self-acceptance. Children take on board every criticism their parents level at them and accept them as truth. So if your parents were highly critical or demanding, the voice of your inner critic will likely be strong, too, and you may also have a fear of failure. On the other hand, those with more compassionate parents tend to show more compassion toward themselves.”

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    #20

    U.S. Teacher Wears Same Outfit For Yearbook Photo 40 Years In A Row. At Year 20, “Well This Is My Life Now”

    U.S. Teacher Wears Same Outfit For Yearbook Photo 40 Years In A Row. At Year 20, “Well This Is My Life Now”

    ebaer2 Report

    #21

    Eight Orphaned Baby Possums Decided That This Groundhog Was Their New Mother. (Babies All Have Since Gone To A Wildlife Rescue.)

    Eight Orphaned Baby Possums Decided That This Groundhog Was Their New Mother. (Babies All Have Since Gone To A Wildlife Rescue.)

    junkholiday Report

    As challenging as it can be to accept our situations in life, it’s important to find a way to, otherwise we set limitations on our own happiness and well-being. If we’re always dealing with internal conflict or a mental imbalance, we will never be at peace. And if you have a hard time showing yourself kindness, think of it this way. Self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff compares self-compassion to “the same kindness and care you would give to a good friend.” We don’t judge our friends, and we don’t expect them to judge us. Why shouldn’t we be as kind and open-minded towards ourselves?

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    #22

    Cat After Surgery

    Cat After Surgery

    BozoTheTown Report

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    lazyblackcat_779
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I imagine this is what my cat would look like from the inside every time he sticks his head in a yogurt container XD

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    #23

    The Face Of The Diver Says It All

    The Face Of The Diver Says It All

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    RafCo (he/him/ele)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I call rays the puppies of the sea. It's crazy how playful and interested they are in us. I had one kept tapping me until I have him a scratch, then followed me around waiting for more pets. It was the cutest little dude ever

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    #24

    Struggling To Adjust To Our Single Roomed House

    Struggling To Adjust To Our Single Roomed House

    Mudaki_Randell Report

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    Amber Minson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of when someone rings the doorbell and I answer it, and instantly my kids are all around me trying to see who it is,and acting a fool....

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    As Maya Angelou once said, “I don't know if I continue, even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes — it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, 'Well, if I'd known better, I'd have done better,' that's all.” Something tells me she would be a fan of This Is My Life Now, just saying…

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    #25

    I'm A Doctor Now

    I'm A Doctor Now

    atopNecrose Report

    I don’t know about you, pandas, but I’m definitely feeling more zen after viewing all of these photos of animals and people in bizarre situations. Whether we like it or not, so many things in life are out of our control, and it seems to be in our best interest to just accept the things we cannot change and let them go. Keep upvoting the pics you find most hilarious or inspiring, and if you’re interested in checking out even more pics from This Is My Life Now, you can find our last article featuring the same subreddit right here!

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    #32

    Guess I'm A Sheepdog Now

    Guess I'm A Sheepdog Now

    babybrandi92tj Report

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    #34

    When A 3 Year Old Plays With A Boxer

    When A 3 Year Old Plays With A Boxer

    DeenaReece Report

    #35

    Yes! I Was Able To Reach The Phone. Otherwise, This Is My Life Now

    Yes! I Was Able To Reach The Phone. Otherwise, This Is My Life Now

    microwaved_donuts Report

    #37

    On The Far Left

    On The Far Left

    AheadBeg265 Report

    #38

    I Guess He Lives Here Now…

    I Guess He Lives Here Now…

    jibbity Report

    #39

    Every Time I Put My Feet Up

    Every Time I Put My Feet Up

    Mikkijuice Report

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    Kat Pekin
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, looks like a ragdoll cat - I had one. He was so floppy and slept like this everywhere. Highly recommend!

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    #41

    What Did The Pelican Do To Deserve This??

    What Did The Pelican Do To Deserve This??

    the_impooster Report

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    Dave Van Beurden
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe he got arrested because he couldn't pay. It was a huge bill. (OK, I'll go now)

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    #43

    Gertie Says "This Is My Life Meow"

    Gertie Says "This Is My Life Meow"

    Not_Joshy Report

    #46

    This Is All I’m Good For. Lol. Boyfriend And Dog #1 Laying On My Legs While Dog #2 Lays On His

    This Is All I’m Good For. Lol. Boyfriend And Dog #1 Laying On My Legs While Dog #2 Lays On His

    TorpidMethod Report

    #47

    Bent Down To Rub The Belly Of My Dog. And Ruth Took That As An Invitation To Sleep On My Back. I Hope This Isn’t Considered Low Effort Because My Back Is Killing Me

    Bent Down To Rub The Belly Of My Dog. And Ruth Took That As An Invitation To Sleep On My Back. I Hope This Isn’t Considered Low Effort Because My Back Is Killing Me

    coldandgray Report

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    Caroline Nagel
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I stupidly taught my cat to jump on my back - I bend over and she jumps on. She loves it! She loves using my back as a scratching pole even more. Not so bad when I'm wearing jeans, very painful when I just come out of the shower and I'm just wearing a bathrobe. You all may think: why let her jump on when wearing something flimsy? You don't know my cat...she is the boss of me. She commands, I obey LOL

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    #48

    She Nurses Her Seven Puppies

    She Nurses Her Seven Puppies

    Low_Entertainer1637 Report

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    Micah<3
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This exact thing happened with the mother of my puppy, I saw it happen lol

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    #53

    My Son Insists The Cat Likes The New Backpack

    My Son Insists The Cat Likes The New Backpack

    designsbyUB Report

    #54

    Have Kids They Said, It Will Be Fun They Said

    Have Kids They Said, It Will Be Fun They Said

    Guercettinv Report

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    #58

    Caught Between A Cat And A Hard Place

    Caught Between A Cat And A Hard Place

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    #63

    Cat Crawled Into A Knights Helmet, Looks Like He’s Now Become A Knight Kitty

    Cat Crawled Into A Knights Helmet, Looks Like He’s Now Become A Knight Kitty

    tanvirfx Report

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    fair_weather_rose
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sir pawsalot reporting for duty, sir! Sorry, sir, this was the last suit they had at the armory, sir! Yes sir, I am aware that I look like a hooman, sir!

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    #65

    I Sleep On The Edge Of A Queen Bed Because Of Dog

    I Sleep On The Edge Of A Queen Bed Because Of Dog

    TinishaTaber Report

    #66

    No Escape

    No Escape

    doggiesayswoof Report

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    Lauren S
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this only 2 animals? That dog face and body mismatch are throwing me off. Don’t get me wrong, 10/10 would pet.

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    #67

    "I'm A Wine Bottle Now"

    "I'm A Wine Bottle Now"

    Apinocv Report

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    fair_weather_rose
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Very nice fruity blend. I'm sensing hints of smokey apricot, smooth walnut, and..." *sniffs glass gently* "is that cat fur?"

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    #68

    Doggy Ran Away And Attacked A Deer Then Got Arrested. That Badboy Guilty Face

    Doggy Ran Away And Attacked A Deer Then Got Arrested. That Badboy Guilty Face

    Verliererou Report

    #70

    When You're Not Her Favourite Child Anymore

    When You're Not Her Favourite Child Anymore

    MellieEberhart Report

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    #72

    There Is No Escape

    There Is No Escape

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    #73

    Sausage In A Towel

    Sausage In A Towel

    Mediaboy13 Report

    #75

    I'm A Cup Holder Now" - Cat

    I'm A Cup Holder Now" - Cat

    LoriGarciai Report

    #76

    Achilles Accepting He Can't Escape The Hammock

    Achilles Accepting He Can't Escape The Hammock

    Applepiee300 Report

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    Lauren S
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What exactly are you doing to the cat? Nail clipping? Bathing? Hair trimming? Regardless, you have found Achilles’ heel.

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    #80

    Came Home From Work To Find Poor Puss Rethinking His Life Choices

    Came Home From Work To Find Poor Puss Rethinking His Life Choices

    PeculiarPete Report

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    G o l d f i s h
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    more like how did the cat get there?? I feel like a human would've had to have contributed to his predicament?

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    #82

    A Rare Look At A Dog Thinking "This Is My Life Now"

    A Rare Look At A Dog Thinking "This Is My Life Now"

    MelvinaCarbone Report

    #84

    Eddie Is Showing His Love To Gabby

    Eddie Is Showing His Love To Gabby

    cheapdisplacerbeast Report

    #85

    I’m A Christmas Ornament Now

    I’m A Christmas Ornament Now

    poooh99 Report

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    #89

    Kitten Keep On Escalading The Clothes Dryer And Chewing On The Clothespins, Making Them Fall

    Kitten Keep On Escalading The Clothes Dryer And Chewing On The Clothespins, Making Them Fall

    Maxentirunos Report

    #90

    Sharing A Twin Sizes Bed With A Husky. All My Leg Room Is On The Right

    Sharing A Twin Sizes Bed With A Husky. All My Leg Room Is On The Right

    GeorgeFromManagement Report

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    Laura Williams
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well he left you with more bed than our dog. Ours lies on their side and sticks their legs out.

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    #91

    Big Brain Move

    Big Brain Move

    leaf-me-alone-plz Report

    #92

    My 103 Pound Akita Sitting On His Husky Friend

    My 103 Pound Akita Sitting On His Husky Friend

    Apprehensive_Nebula8 Report

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    #93

    Guess I’ll Be A Phone Prop From Now On 🤷🏻‍♂️

    Guess I’ll Be A Phone Prop From Now On 🤷🏻‍♂️

    Stevenbk Report

    #94

    Some Insane Person Gave My Mom An Intense Amount Of Bananas And She Accepted Them

    Some Insane Person Gave My Mom An Intense Amount Of Bananas And She Accepted Them

    ScruffleMcDufflebag Report

    #96

    Sometimes You Have To Let The Last Few Crumbs Go

    Sometimes You Have To Let The Last Few Crumbs Go

    Cornualonga Report

    #97

    Wolf Lived With Tree Branch Trapped In His Teeth For Years

    Wolf Lived With Tree Branch Trapped In His Teeth For Years

    Granted_reality Report

    #99

    Listening To Copies Of The Beatles

    Listening To Copies Of The Beatles

    Listening to copies of The Beatles “Rubber Soul” in the Quality Control room at the EMI pressing plant in London, England, 1965

    BetOnBen Report

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    fair_weather_rose
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm confuzzled, what does this have to do with animals? Am I completely missing something totally obvious?

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    #100

    Stuck Water Buffalo

    Stuck Water Buffalo

    howie521 Report

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    Druklet
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't think this one counts as 'funny'. Hope they got the poor girl out safely!

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