Caturday Reflection – Is the Grass Always Greener on the Other Side?
Is grass really greener on the other side? The truth of the matter is simple – maybe it isn’t. But then again, if you never decide to look, maybe it is. The choice or crossroads dilemma becomes how much you really want to find out and that is perhaps why I envy cats so much. Almost always, they want to know, consequences be damned.
Maybe it’s because they truly feel they have 9 lives, so why not? Or maybe it is because life is not so complicated for them. For many of us humans, that is usually not the case and we will stay in marriages, jobs, relationships, etc. out of a variety of reasons that stem from fear of the unknown – if I leave my job, what if I don’t find another one? How will I pay my bills or what if I find a new job and it is even worse than the one I already have? If I leave my husband, what will happen to the children? Or will I be alone my whole life? Fear becomes the yardstick of practicality, even if we are miserable at work or unfulfilled in a relationship.
A cat says, “So what!” I’m going to climb that tree to see what is up there, even though I may fall or be unable to climb back down, because you know what, maybe I won’t fall and maybe the view from the top will be worth the effort. Sure, I’ll try to jump that fence to see what is on the other side, even though my human is going to yell at me because maybe I won’t get caught and I’ll see a lizard or a squirrel in the yard. And yes, I am going to swat at my little sibling fur-brother for no reason other than I feel like doing it, even though it is going to make him mad, because it’s just fun to see the reaction I get from him! Pretty liberating, huh! How many times have you felt like swatting someone, but knew you couldn’t because it would get you in a lot of trouble? I think driving home from work, I feel like swatting at least a dozen people alone!
There is never not a tree that Zoey won’t try to climb. Of course she is completely supervised, but she doesn’t know that!
Peanut is adamant there is something better on the other side of this fence! Alas, she will never know, but a kitty can dream, can’t she?!
One will never know what the view from the top is like unless one takes a look – that is our little Mia’s opinion on the matter!
Rolz likes to take a more low key approach to finding greener pastures, in this case, a brave look under the tiki!
Zoey is just so precious as she wonders if she should take a look at what’s inside that planter… of course, you know she will because as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Yeah, the urge to swat is just too irresistible when it comes to Kizmet. In this case, it is his perennially patient brother, Rolz, who is the recipient of his playfulness!
Now granted, even without fear, it’s not always easy to take a giant leap of faith in search of new and greener pastures and just like people, some kitties are quite reserved (lazy) by nature like my Harley who would prefer to never venture off the couch if she didn’t have to, and wouldn’t, were it not for the fact she has to eat and use the litter box. The grass is just fine for her on either side of the fence as long as it doesn’t require any effort from her one way or another! And sometimes we can be perfectly content with our place in time and have no desire for change either. The grass is wonderfully green in every direction we look. Then there are the moments when our universe is rocked and out of nowhere we are forced to look for what we hope will be greener pastures, such as when we are unexpectedly let go from a job. This can be extremely unsettling, difficult, scary, and overwhelming to say the least. Especially if you are not prepared for it and don’t have a contingency plan in place.
Oh dear, thinks Harley. Just how the heck did I get outside and how do I get back inside to the comfort of my safe couch?
I liken that to a cat who has found themselves on the streets or in a shelter for whatever reason and they are forced to survive in a new environment and are not always themselves or are on the brink of survival. They can become timid or overly aggressive or submissive and not all of them have the wherewithal to be warm, friendly and trusting. In cases like that, just like with humans, a core support group of loving and caring people around you is often the most important aspect of getting through the day so that you don’t feel alone, with no future in sight.
For me, I think no matter where we are in life, the most important asset we have is believing in ourselves and having the courage and faith to look for greener pastures if we think it will improve our emotional frame of mind. Things usually have a way of working themselves out and the relief you feel once you make the decision to change your life can be mind-altering. Sure, it might be rough in the beginning, but think about the possible new journey ahead. Think like a cat. For example, for them, every door that you keep shut in your house for whatever reason, once it is opened, they rush to get inside and see it as a possibility of an exciting new adventure and they revel in the opportunity without wasting even one precious second of it! You know what I mean – it’s almost like a magic trick. No cats in sight. Open the closed door, voila, cats instantly appear out of thin air! And if it’s not what they expected, all is not lost. They just shake it off and move on with the comfort that at the very least, a good nap will cure all and when they wake up they can start all over again with the prospect of another door being opened.
What about you? Have any of you changed the direction of your life in any dramatic way looking for greener pastures and how did it make you feel after you made the decision? Please feel free to share your stories.
And as a reminder, don’t forget to vote for your favorite blogs for a Pettie and a chance for them to win $1000 for a rescue or shelter of their choice! Zee and Zoey is up for “Best Designed Blog”- voting is open until July 31st and you can vote once a day. WHEW….. We are almost done with having to post this reminder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wonderful post Deb!! The photos were perfect with it as well. I think Cody and Harley share the same philosophy about life.
You KNOW that I changed direction (at least twice)
The main one was in 2001 when I resigned from my advertising job after having had it for 21 and a half years, and moved from Cleveland to Michigan because “I knew in my heart” that after meeting Lenny online that we were supposed to be together. (Mind you, he had next to nothing to do with me for almost 3 months after I moved here) but I took the leap of faith and did it anyway……….12 years later……….we just celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. Resigning from my beloved and looooong time 2001 and leaving friends and family where I had lived for 35 years was the HARDEST thing I had ever done, but it was worth it in the end.
The other big change? Losing a job in 2007 due to downsizing, being 50 and unemployed and becoming a blogger in 2009……….Me? Afraid of change? HELL NO! 🙂
Caren – yes, I do know that you changed direction, but wow, 21 years and then Lenny had nothing to do with you for 3 months after you made the move!! How wonderful that it all turned out so well for you. I know that losing my job in 2009 was so hard too, but truthfully it was a blessing in disguise because I was so miserable. Life is tapping me on the shoulder again and I know I need to listen. Your inspiration makes me feel better and I will keep your comment tucked in the back of my mind! xoxo
Beautiful post! I’ve taken leaps of faith a few times throughout my life, and things have always worked out for the best, even though it was scary at the time. Probably the biggest leap had been leaving my “cushy” (but hated!) corporate job to take a job managing an animal hospital. I took a huge pay cut – but the payoff in terms of finally getting to do work I loved every day was so worth the loss of income. Once I had that experience under my belt, it was a little easier to make the next leap to starting my own business.
I love Caren’s leap of faith – now that’s following your heart!
Ingrid – I remember your leap of faith so well because it was such a significant part of Buckley’s Story and following your heart really has led you down the right path!
I’ve found that when I listen to my heart and take the leap, things always turn out well. But sometimes I listen to what I think is my heart, that turns out is really my fear, and those changes turn out to be little more than a learning experience of what NOT to do.
I would agree with that RumpyDog. When I second guess my heart and go against my gut instinct, it usually is done for the wrong reasons and I regret the decision.
That was great and so were the photos, but your photos are always the best. My Dad said the grass is greener on the other side because of the quantity of fertilizer that gets spread MOL!
Oh Brian, you never miss a trick, do you!! Brilliant observation!! MOL!
Mom is always telling us that we must be grateful for what we have and what our lives are like, but she says that should never stop us from being curious and adventurous. She says that had she not been, she wouldn’t be married to Dad (40 years now), live in VA (36 years now), have us or have a blog. She really liked your post bunches, and she especially liked the photos of the kitties standing on their hind legs. She always thinks we look adorable when we do this. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
No matter my lot in life, Kitties Blue, I am always grateful for what I have. But, like you say, that should not stop us from being curious and looking for new adventures. Had I not taken that approach, I never would have wrote my book, started a blog, become such a devoted cat advocate, or met all the great friends I have now as a result of it.
Hi Deb and cat crew……Sam and I thought we’d stop by to visit since you visited us and we’re VERY glad we did. For one thing, I’ve done a lot of major changes thinking the grass might be greener and in some cases it has been and in others “not so much” – but one thing is FOR SURE. You never know until you leap. If we all just stayed “safe” we’d not have as much adventure in our lives nor would we possibly ever find that “corner of nirvana” most of us crave. It’s all about going for it – I’ve never hesitated – and never will. As for Sammy, well, he’s always been a bit afraid of the unknown or leaving his “comfort zone” (me)……! Excellent subject matter and comments by everyone – and again – it’s grand meeting you……..
Saturday Hugs, Pam and Sam
Yea!!! We are so happy to meet you Pam and Sam and thank you so much for dropping by. We love meeting new friends and we are thrilled you enjoy our blog. And you are so right, you just never know one way or another until you try.
Pawsome post! Sometimes the grass really is greener on the other side and sometimes it isn’t. We need to just be like cats and take a look anyway, because you just never know!
Thank you Julia – glad you enjoyed the post and I agree – learning to take the cue from our cats is almost always the best advice. Unless it comes to hunting mice… not something I care to pursue!
Stunning photos and a great article as always!
I especially enjoyed Zoey peering into the planter and Mia in the rafters!
(And – that naughty troublemaking Kizmet – tee hee!)
Thank you Create With Joy – the picture of Zoey on her tippee toes is my favorite – she just looks so darn adorable! And yes, naughty trouble-making Kizmet who never gets in trouble because you just have to laugh at him!
What was it Erma said – The grass is always greener over the septic tank? 😉
Brilliant post! Sometimes I do wish I could take myself and Austin off to a place where our emotional frame of mind might be improved! It’s the pits at the moment … another Erma quote “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” *wry smile*
xx
CATachresis – that is one of the nicest compliments you could have ever given me – I often liken my writing to Erma Bombeck and do try to inject a bit of humor into the everyday cherry pits that life throws at us! I am in the same boat as you and am looking forward to greener pastures myself!
What a great post! We always want to see what is on the other side…green grass or not! But that’s because we’re cats…and curious ones at that!
Great post and beautiful pictures. Be sure to check out the CB and our blog to submit some pictures for inclusion in the new calendar we’re putting together.
guys….wear we live de grass iz sum times green, sum times brown, sum times crunchee, sum times white, sum times gone, sum times fulla BURDS, N sum times fulla dandy lionz…sure de lionz bee mite small, much smaller then we figured lionz ta bee…but they iz ther…nun de lezz !!!
enjoy mackerull monday
XOXO
My mom say´s that the grass is only greener on the other side of the fence , because you don´t take care of your own 🙂
My mom too is wanting to swat a lot of people when she is driving her car *mol*
No matter what is on the other side, we love that cats want to take a look!
A beautiful post, Deb. One that has me thinking even now about next steps, open doors and rushing through to see what the adventure holds. Thank you for reminding me to pause, think and smile.
: ) GG
Oh and I almost forgot…
The photo of Zoey in her harness is AMAZING!!!!!!!!
I love this post! I wish I have the attitude of cats. Not afraid to see the other side! We humans are afraid of failure, well, cats don’t! 🙂
like everyone else, the photos are totally pawsome. I wanted something greener myself…ya know…better than living in a cubby bed at Kitty corner…so I came home with Mom and Dad…and I started to trust humans again…and it is worth it every single day and every single day for 19 months I have done one little something to be more brave and to show a bit more or my REAL SELF. I am still emerging…but Mom and Dad stick by me. And through all of this…they had to give their house back to the bank, and learn to live with me on fixed income and in a rental for first time in 36 years…and we are all happy as can be…and we were able to have the resources to save my former Foster Brofur Leo…and get him to his New Dad Dave…and now Cousin Leo has his greener pasture and we all have a new friend, Dad Dave. oh yeah, and Mom has her retirement project, writing and supporting animal rescue…ta-da!!!