Combating the Groundhog Day of Life to Help Promote Inner Peace, Health, and Happiness for You and Your Cats
“I Got You Babe.” Remember how that song played every morning as the alarm sounded at 6:00 a.m. on the movie Groundhog Day and Bill Murray’s character found himself repeating the exact same day over and over? I think in life as we move from one day to the next often we get so settled and stuck in the daily routines of our life, that it seems like we are living the same day over again, even though in reality we are not.
I say all of this because lately Dan and I have kind of been stuck in the doldrums and we have been digging ourselves into a quiet rut of complacency by allowing the routine to continue. We have been going through some life struggles that have been difficult and we are also grappling with the fact that our kids are all grown up and that we don’t get to see them nearly as much as we want to. We find ourselves lamenting that there is a certain void in our hearts that is contributing to the sameness of our lives.
We’ve yet to gather the whole family in one fell swoop, but we were able to share time with some of our kids on a great trip we took to Discovery Cove in Orlando a few years ago that we will never forget. From L to R – Dan, me, Jackie, Chris, and Crystal.
But, the truth is, it is our fault. We cannot build a personal fortress by imprisoning ourselves in our own little world. Sure, we can miss our children and look forward to them visiting, but we can’t forget to live in the meantime. For the most part, life is not going to come knocking at your door, inviting you to participate. You have to go out and find it and create your own sense of community in order to fill the emptiness in your heart. We live in South Florida – a gorgeous state with beautiful weather, stunning tropical flowers, and ocean views. Many people would be envious to be in our position, yet we rarely take advantage of what is around us.
That all changed last weekend as I realized that our personal preoccupations and willingness to let life slip by was affecting the cats and that is just not fair to them. Our cats are not outdoor cats, but we do take them out, supervised, in our fenced in backyard on occasion. It has been ages since we have done that and I could visually see the dejection on their sweet little faces as yet another day came and went that we did not open that magical door to the paradise of lizards, bugs, and the intoxicating sights and smells that only the outdoors can offer to a cat.
One of those blessed moments for the cats when we take them outside. Seen here is Rolz who is on high alert sniffing his surroundings…
Even if Dan and I don’t do anything in a grand sense, at the very least, we can come and go as we please and change our environment. We can run errands, go out to dinner, do some gardening and my Mom and oldest son do live close by, so we can visit with them when we can. We do not have to be in the house 24/7 like the cats if we don’t want to. Can you imagine that? Every single day is the controlled sameness unless we help provide a changing and stimulating environment for them.
And don’t get me wrong – it’s not that we don’t give our cats lots of toys, playtime, loving, and attention. We do. But, I think we can do better by them. And the first step was to do better by us. It was time for us to stop allowing our negative circumstances to control us and to wake up with a renewed attitude – we only get one life and it was up to us to shape to our own liking.
So, Dan and I have made some deliberate changes – we are stepping away from the computer on Saturdays and taking small day trips to enjoy the sites and scenery around us. Last weekend we ventured to Hollywood Beach and instantly fell in love with the two plus mile long boardwalk filled with a charming array of small restaurants, one-man bands, shops and more. The ocean was right there and the beach was alive with the joyful and exhilarating chaos of children playing, people rollerblading and bicycling, and couples holding hands. Nothing out of the ordinary, yet to be a part of it all, was completely extraordinary and it was a life changer. We felt better about ourselves and a sense of inner peace, calm, and happiness prevailed.
Ahh… just taking it all in – feeling the fresh air and the heat of the sun… so, so liberating and mentally cleansing…
Just life… ordinary, beautiful life all around me…
Well, Hello Kitty!! Finding the cat in life, no matter where I am!
How cool is this!? A theater on the beach starring a “Cat Daddy” performance!
I know a lot of you would say that if you lived here, you would take advantage of the warm weather, the beaches, and everything else. And maybe you would. Or, maybe you live in your own town and barely take advantage of what is around you for whatever reason and people would comment that if they lived where you did, that they would take advantage of all that your community offered. All I can say is that if you don’t, I encourage you to do so. Even if it’s a walk around your neighborhood or stopping somewhere for a cup of coffee, it feels nice to get out and be a part of the world. Granted, all the small and large issues in your life will not magically go away, but your perspective and way to handle them will. So, do it for yourself, and do the same for your cats. Give them a new toy or some extra playtime. Or an empty box for them to jump in for no reason. Or open the door to an otherwise forbidden room for some adventurous snooping around just for the fun of it. Keep in mind that they react off of our emotions, so by keeping yourself mentally healthy, you are helping to ensure they live a longer, happier, and healthier life too.
Great post. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut, and it’s especially easy when you work from home. And it’s amazing how making even small changes can open up your life in a lot of different ways.
Thanks Ingrid – it really is amazing that a small and simple change can make such a big difference, but it really does…
Well said Deb…….it’s easy to become confined to a small space out of “routine” when there’s so much around us to enjoy if we just EXTEND those walls. Fall reminds me of that as I look out our windows at the leaves turning brilliant colors……it pulls me outdoors and Sammy loves it when I take him out to explore. My husband and I take day trips more often in the Fall too. The world is huge – it’s easy to get boxed in a small part of it when really it’s so much better to “live outside the box” !! Happy Weekend…….
Pam
Pam – I am happy to hear that you and your husband take advantage of your surroundings. I miss the Fall – we don’t get much of a change in scenery here in Florida. Purrs to you and Sammy!
I wouldn’t be too hard on mewzelves Auntie Deb, the last year hasn’t been easy knowing mewz time with Mr. Jazz was limited, as were his needs different as a senior cat that mew had to be there more for any special care or attention he might have needed. In addition, perhaps mewz conscious and unconscious were both influencing mewz behavior to stay home more when mew did not even realize it- this happens to all of us at one time or another. Then when the sad time came to say goodbye to the amazing mancat who had been such a vital member of the family for so long, mew both needed time to grieve. This is normal and mew need not give any justification for it, Zee, Zoey, & the gang understood and knew in time things would change. We are cats after all: nothing escapes our attention. MOL!
I am glad mew are feeling a desire to go out and explore more and I’m sure the gang is thrilled to oblige when mew get out the harness and leashes to go in the backyard! With so many furry family members I’m sure it isn’t easy to take everyone out at once. Have mew ever thought about building an enclosure or catio or purchasing an outdoor enclosure to make it easier to let them all out? Maybe mewz area is not set up for a catio, but there are those smaller 4 sided outdoor playpen like set-ups for kitties. My brother and I are fortunate to have a fenced backyard we are allowed to go in and out to as we please as long as we stay. Mom hasn’t had too much trouble except when my nosy brother climbs over the fence in to the neighbor’s yard to roll in the soot in their outdoor patio fireplace and then return home completely grey like his large spots, his white fur no longer visible! He LOVES rolling in it?!?!, but boy does NOT like getting held down by Grandpaw while Mom washes him back to his grey and white self! *snickers at thought of lil brofur’s hisses, yowls, growls, & spitting like a mad cat*
I wish mew many more fun days ahead exploring and playing with mewz family, mew deserve it. Purrrrrrrrrrrr!
Ms. Phoebe – thank you so much for your understanding and kind comments regarding our life as of late. A lot has happened in a short amount of time, but it does serve to teach us to appreciate what we have, while we have it. We are very happy to hear you have such a great backyard, even though your brother can be a trouble-maker!!
Thank you Deb, the weepy eyes must mean it hit home. Love to you.
Oh… sorry for the weepy eyes, Cherry City Kitties… love back to you as well…
What a wonderful (and timely) reminder. The head peep just came to a similar conclusion. It’s easy to get distracted by the sameness of days and their routine and get stuck in them. Getting past the inertia of the every day routine can make a big difference. And with that, we need to remind her to get moving to do exactly that. Purrs to all of you.
Yes, it is a good reminder for the peeps, Cats Herd You. I am glad that we were able to give yours a nudge to get moving!!
Those are some good reminders to live life at the fullest whenever you can. I love to just go outside and enjoy the peace and quiet. Great post.
Deb, So good to hear you and Dan are pulling yourselves out of your rut…I think it’s pretty normal to get in one…and maybe it’s not all that bad…as long as you don’t stay there for too long. There really is a big ol world out there just waiting to be explored, embraced and enjoyed.
As for the kids being grown….I grieved that WAY too long myself but I’m finally ready to celebrate the freedom that Mark and I now have (with the exception of one Abby and Roxanne)….but still it’s so nice to reach that point in our lives where we actually do what WE want to do.
Here’s to living life to it’s fullest …you deserve it!!
Deb, I’m so glad you and Dan have started these little travels. It really is too easy to fill a whole day with “I have to do this or that before I go do something fun”, but it’s the way of life for most of us, and the worst consequence is that we settle into the same outlook on our lives and the world around us. But I find when I am out and about whether it’s a gallery crawl in the city or a day on the trail such a feeling of expansion, happiness and new creative ideas, and when I return all full of that my home feels all new again with the new outlook, and my cats love me all the more, because they love when I’m happy. I’m sure you’ve found the same thing when you return all covered in interesting scents and with a renewed outlook, and all your lovely spotted and striped felines greet you with round eyes as if you are new people.
This was great Deb and I am so happy that you and Dan are venturing out and enjoying your gorgeous surroundings on Saturdays!
Your post taught all of us that no matter where we live there are places that are beautiful that we can investigate and enjoy! We tend to take for granted all that is around us, we need to all start viewing our areas with the eyes of tourists!
Wonderful post! xoxoxo
Good post. We all need to get out and about. A change of scenery can brighten a day.
You’ve just gotta be like a cat, I think. Take each day as it comes and make the best of it. Make the most of the day at paw. Turn every day into an adventure!
Purrs,
Nissy
Oh yes, Nissy!! Purrfect advice!
Thanks for the reminder. I know I spend way too much time in front of the computer or on my ipad. I really need to take a page from your book…or blog, rather. 😉
Lady with the Yellow Hair
You are welcome for the reminder dear Lady with the Yellow Hair!
Yep, that was a great post and we all need a little something different now and again. We don’t want to get stuck in our own groundhog day!
So true, Brian!
Loved seeing this! I’ve been going 24/7 and in order to meet some deadlines I didn’t even check email until right now. This is the one and only comment I’m leaving today. I’m not blogging for a few days and feeling way out of my comfort zone. No Caturday in two years! But in order to move forward, we must do things differently.
You brought up an interesting point Layla. Sometimes even though we are not happy in the current zone we are in, because it is the one we know, we stay in it because we are afraid of the change. Taking the first step to personal change is so very important.
Wonderful story, inspiring also. Photos make me want to visit the area. I always have.
I’m glad you enjoyed the story and the photos, Hazel! It really is a great area and I hope you can visit one day.
Wonderful post. I sure understand the being stuck in a rut. Sure does help if you can just get away even if for just a few minutes. It looks beautiful were you were.
Thank you Sue – it is beautiful and I am happy to finally be taking advantage of what is around me!
Very inspiring. We live a stone’s throw to NYC and since TW stopped working, she goes there once a month. Actually, she’s been there about 4 times this year. Bet if you lived here, you’d be exploring “The City” all the time. I should be glad she’s happy to stay home with me.
CK – we love being home with the kitties more than anything. But it is nice to get out for a bit, then come home knowing they will be home waiting for us! It’s the best of both worlds that way!
Hi, Deb. I need to stop being a stranger here.
Here’s a thought: my sister is a MAJOR cat lover. She even helps with a big cat rescue organization outside San Diego. She has numerous cats, indoor and out. She built an atrium (if that is the correct term) attached to her house. It had a cat door where the indoor cats could go in and out as they desired. It had trails, flowers, small potted trees, cat towers, and just about everything you could think of for a happy cat. It was totally fenced in, even on top. She didn’t want any birds getting in there and becoming a present left on her doorstep. She thought of everything.
Hope you and Dan are doing well. And course the kittys!
How cool that your sister helps with big cat rescue, George! Maybe one day Dan and I will build an enclosure – I know the kitties would love it!
Very thoughtful post Miss Deb. My Mom Linda and Dad Peter are both good at getting out to enjoy living in our pawsome San Francisco Nay Area…yet there is more than can do…like get back to riding bikes, and taking hikes in the regional parks…yup…they are headed out the door right now!
I am so happy that your Mom Linda and Dad Peter take advantage of all that the San Francisco Bay area has to offer!! What a beautiful place to live, Savannah!
Wow, that was a terrific and insightful post, Deb. It’s so easy to fall into a routine, isn’t it? I applaud you and Dan for combating those doldrums. And I thank you for giving us all some great food for thought (and action)!
Thank you meowmeowmans – I am glad I was able to provide some inspirational food for thought!!