Living the Moo Deng Way: How A Baby Hippo Teaches Us the Secret to Joy

“Patty, have you seen that baby hippo, Moo Deng?” I asked casually over call today.

Patty leaned in with a laugh. “Oh my gosh, yes! I can't stop watching her videos! She’s like a little pink-cheeked ball of joy. There’s something about her, isn’t there? Something that just... makes you want to slow down and enjoy life.”

And there it was—a baby pygmy hippo from Thailand unknowingly teaching us life lessons. We didn’t expect it, but here we were, a group of friends reflecting on joy, simplicity, and balance, all inspired by Moo Deng’s innocent antics.

At first, I thought, we are talking about a baby hippo! How could something so small have such a big impact? But the more we talked, the more I realized: Moo Deng’s life isn’t just a viral moment—it’s a mirror. It reflects what we’re missing in our own lives. She reminds us how to live—not for the likes, not for validation, but for joy.

Authenticity is Magnetic

“Moo Deng didn’t try to go viral. She was just being herself—splashing in water, playing with her mom, and soaking up the little joys. And the world loved her for it,” I said to Patty.

When we let go of the need to curate our lives for others, we create space for genuine connections. Moo Deng teaches us that authenticity—not perfection—is what draws people to us.

Set Boundaries—Balance Your Life

Patty nodded, “And can you believe they only let visitors see her for five minutes?”

Exactly. Even with all the attention, the zoo set boundaries to ensure Moo Deng wasn’t overwhelmed. Imagine that: fame, but with balance.

If Moo Deng can live joyfully by setting limits, so can we. We don’t need to be “on” all the time. It’s okay to step back, take a break, and protect our peace.

Find Joy in Simple Things

“Her happiness comes from splashing in a puddle,” Patty said thoughtfully. “We complicate joy, don’t we?”

Moo Deng reminds us that joy isn’t found in big achievements or applause—it’s in the small, everyday moments.

Joy is in the little things: conversations with friends, a walk outside, or even laughing at a silly video online. The trick is to notice those moments, just like Moo Deng notices her puddles.

Purpose Over Performance

The zoo didn’t just share Moo Deng’s story for likes. They used her fame to promote conservation efforts for endangered pygmy hippos. It’s a subtle but powerful shift: connection over performance.

Moo Deng teaches us to use our platforms for good. When we focus on sharing meaningful stories and building real connections, life becomes richer and more purposeful.

Fame is Fleeting—Love Endures

“What does Moo Deng Think? Will her viral moment may not last,” Patty pointed out. “But she’ll still be loved.”

Exactly. Fame is temporary, but relationships, love, and care last. Moo Deng’s life isn’t defined by the spotlight—it’s defined by the care she receives from her keepers and the joy she spreads.

Don’t chase fleeting validation. Focus on what truly matters—relationships, kindness, and meaningful moments.

As Patty and I finished our conversation, I thought: If Moo Deng, a baby hippo, can inspire us to rethink our lives, imagine what we could do if we embraced these lessons.

So, here’s my challenge: Live authentically. Splash in your puddles. Take breaks when you need them. And most importantly, find joy in the little things.

Moo Deng’s story is a reminder that life isn’t about impressing the world. It’s about savoring the moments, setting boundaries, and connecting with purpose. You don’t need to be perfect or famous to live a joyful life—you just need to be present.

Let’s all live a little more like Moo Deng. Not for the crowd, but for the heart.

What if we brought more "Moo Deng energy" to work?

I'm committing to 10 minutes of unstructured play daily.

Who's joining me? Share your joy practice below!