Three Things I Learned From My Cat • RI Family Photographer
As I'm sure many of you are aware, my cat Lionel is my favorite non-human on the planet. He's funny, handsome, cuddly...an all-around great guy.
Lionel came into our lives after we lost our previous cat, another fluffy beauty named Reina. I was sad and missing having a cat. One day I went to the local shelter "just to look" (more like "just to look" at the adorable kittens I'd seen on the shelter website). Two days later, this little fluffy bundle came home with me.
He quickly became my photography muse. I've said this before...when I'm not busy doing sessions as a RI family photographer, you can likely find me taking photos of my cat. I also noticed as time went on that his personality was quite different from that of other cats I've had in the past. Sometimes it seems like he's a person masquerading a a cat...he's sensitive and caring (at least when he's paying attention to you).
Lionel's been by my side through lots, and he's taught me a few important things. Yes, you can learn life lessons from a cat! It's pretty good stuff, so I thought I'd share Lionel's wisdom with you.
1. It's OK, and even fun, to spend time by yourself.
Lionel's not a super social guy. He doesn't seek out cat parties and, while he seems to like us, he likes spending a majority of his time alone. That said, he has a great time doing it. He explores the world around him, catches mice (thanks, bud!), hangs out in the sun, and goes for walks. He's confident in his fluffy alone-ness. We're often conditioned by society that we need to do things with other people. Friends are great, but you know what's also great? Alone time. Go to a movie by yourself. Take yourself to the beach. Sit in your backyard all alone and take it all in. If you can, travel by yourself. It's one of the greatest things ever. Spending time alone is so important in knowing who you are.
2. Rest when you need it.
Lionel spends a lot of his time lolling about lazily or sleeping. He thinks it's just crazy that society is always telling humans, especially women, to just go, go, go all the time. He knows that rest and sleep are very important and highly recommends taking a catnap when you need it. Don't feel guilty. I finally listened to Lionel about resting a few years ago. My body so needed it, and I don't know why I didn't listen sooner.
3. Accept all gifts with grace and gratitude.
Sometimes in life people give us things that we didn't expect or maybe that we don't even want or need. There might be a part of you that wants to say, "why the heck did you ever think that I needed this?" You might feel annoyed, confused, or overwhelmed. Maybe you're thinking about when you can regift it. Many of us have been there. It's a sticky situation to be in. Lionel likes to give gifts like that. He often brings us the gift of little dead mice or other rodents, or the occasional bird or larger small animal. He's very proud of how hard he worked to procure such an amazing gift and bring it to us, and it doesn't make him feel the best if we react negatively to his wonderful offerings. I've learned to thank him for his thoughtful gift and make sure he knows his effort does not go unnoticed. In that moment, it doesn't matter what I'll do with his gift later. It only matters how I make him feel right now.
Have you learned any important life lessons from your cat (or any other pet?) Share them in the comments!