9 things my cat taught me
My dear cat Bear died due to cancer at the age of three — here are some things he taught me in that short time.
Get some sun
If the sun shines, make sure you sit in it. If you can’t leave the house, open the windows and feel the breeze on your whiskers. It isn’t always sunny (and winter is coming) especially here in Berlin. So, whenever the sun’s out, sit in it — even if for just a bit. Relish the moment.
Sleep often
Deep, consistent, uninterrupted sleep is the best kind. Every night, look forward to curling up after a hard day’s play — and wake up refreshed (at 5am if possible). If there’s opportunity for calm and the mood strikes you, why not enjoy a quality nap in the daytime too? Peace is hard to come by.
Hygiene comes first
Take the time to look after yourself. Stay handsome. Keep groomed. Make sure your hair is clean and healthy. Smell majestic. It’s not just about appearances, it’s a matter of mental health — even in times of strife, make the effort. You’ll feel better for it.
Show your feelings
OK, so the world doesn’t revolve around you, but you don’t exist to serve others either. If you’re feeling low, be honest about it. Grant yourself permission to be grumpy a while, accept your emotions, sit with them; you might learn what you need. And if you’re happy, smile!
Ask for hugs
If you’ve taken too much alone time and find that what you really need is a hug — ask for one. Be direct. Request help, comfort, or just time to hang out with loved ones. Don’t be coy about it. It’ll more than likely be taken as a compliment — and you won’t get what you want when you need without asking.
Play
Life’s tough. It can be unfair and unforgiving. But if you stay open minded, there’s usually room for a laugh. Even mundane situations, events, or objects can be turned into a game with some imagination and curiosity. Your sense of fun and optimism won’t go unnoticed.
Set boundaries
People might push you off their favourite chair or make you wait for food, but remember to set your own boundaries too. Don’t want to be social? Not in the mood for play? Just say no. If they love you, they’ll be patient and understand that there will be other opportunities.
Don’t give up
If you can’t quite do something the first time, that doesn’t mean you never will. Try again. See each failure as a learning opportunity. Give yourself time to grow. And eventually, if you keep going, you’ll find yourself places you couldn’t reach before.
Live without fear
The time is always now. Never mind what’s around the corner, or what’s just happened. Learn from your mistakes, but don’t dwell on things too long. Reality presents opportunity. Consider that even when pain brings you down, you might be in the best position to see the sun shine.
Bear was the friendliest, weirdest, cuddliest, silliest, most loving and affectionate cat I’ve ever met and I’ve always felt so proud to be his human. He arrived when I needed him the most but now he’s run ahead. Take good care buddy.
