A Cat’s Life: 5 things we can learn from our feline friends

Few things in this world inspire joy the way a crazy cat with zoomies can. Who hasn’t found themselves lost down the proverbial rabbit’s hole of funny cat videos? Their antics are legendary. Their mind control powers unmatched. One head bunt or purr instantly softens the blow from them knocking your phone off the table, spilling a water glass across the floor or shredding your favorite nesting chair. Cats are magical creatures that seem to have life figured out. If you have the privilege of living with one no further explaination is needed, but I’ll continue for the sake of this blog.

1. How to enjoy a nap. Find the coziest spot in the house and nap in it at least once a day. Cats have the uncanny ability to find the softest blanket, cushiest cushion or warm beam of sunshine in the house. They have no shame when it comes to napping. It’s probably why they always look so content. So take a cue from them and nestle down for a refreshing nap whenever the mood strikes. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

2. Choose your people wisely. Cats are very selective when it comes to their people. You won’t find them sharing blinkies and head bunts with just anyone. They show love to the people who care for them, feed them and treat them with the respect they deserve. They tend to avoid the ones who fail to show that mutual respect. Wouldn’t life be less stressful if we spent our time with people we like and avoid those who are ultimately toxic? No one needs more drama so follow their example and be selective.

3. Let it be known when you are happy. Hearing the purr of a happy cat promotes calm and relaxation. You can feel the stress melting away. Cats let you know they are happy and content in many ways. They aren’t shy about showing their owners how they feel at any given moment. Why don’t we try to do the same? Too often humans are quick to complain when we are unhappy but slow to tell our companions when they do make us happy. So next time you feel a rush of joy be sure to share the experience, especially with the one who helped create it.

4. Enjoy your meals. Eating is a necessity of life. That said gorging your food as you drive to work or scrambling to eat while making calls on your nonexistent lunch break shouldn’t be how you sustain yourself. Be more catlike and take the breaks you deserve. Sit down and savor the food you are about to consume. Eat it at your own pace then take a good long stretch before you dive back in to the tasks of the day.

5. Soak up the sunshine and enjoy the view. Ever watch a cat lounging on the windowsill? They find the sunny spot and stretch out until they are ultra comfy then watch as the birds, bees and other things pass by. Occasionally bouncing up in a vain attempt to catch one of the critters flying by only to readjust and relax a moment later. I think we could all learn a bit from them and take the time to lounge in the sun doing nothing but observing the world around us. A momentary break from the chaos of the everyday. A reminder to find joy in the simplest of things.