Moving Into the New Year and Taking Lessons From Our Cats Along the Way
Zee
I can’t lie to you – 2013 was not my favorite year. There was a lot of angst, stress, and unforeseen circumstances that made life emotionally challenging and difficult to bear. But that’s not to say that the year wasn’t filled with incredible good and joy as well. I have been able to continue down my cat loving path with many new doors opening and I just spent the last couple of weeks with my family surrounding me.
Mia
And mind you, just like other families, mine is not perfect – we have the battle wounds of life and struggle just like everyone else to get through the day in one piece. But we love one another fiercely and having them around served as a gentle reminder not to take anything for granted. My plate is exceedingly full – I have friends, family, a man who loves me, seven adoring cats, food on my table, a job, a roof over my head, and my health. Not everyone can say that and I don’t take any of it lightly.
Rolz
But I also know that with each New Year comes new possibilities and as we enter 2014 I look forward to a personal rejuvenation and I hope I can inspire the same for many of you who would like a fresh start. Just because last year was difficult does not mean that this year has to be and I liken the thought process to that of a cat – take those battles and obstacles in front of you and use them as an incentive to persevere and rise above the fray.
Peanut
Cats are problem solvers, survivors, living examples of the “easier said than done” of life. They constantly live in seize the moment mode as any little mouse who dares to cross their path will tell you, they don’t dwell with regret in the past, and they don’t live in crippling fear of what the future holds (unless the dreaded pet carrier comes out). Every day is a brand new start for them and I think us humans could learn a lot as we start this New Year from the behavior of our wise feline friends.
Rather than focusing on what we don’t have or what we think we can’t do, insurmountable issues in our mind, if we decided to adapt to circumstances rather than let them define or defeat us, those adaptations become victories, no matter how small or large they may be. In other words, if you allow yourself mental flexibility and break down the rigid constraints of your world, you are more likely to encounter the positive in life rather than the negative because you are open to new possibilities.
Kizmet
How many times have you seen a cat jump to the top of something that seemed impossibly high? Often they do it in one swift, single leap. But if they can’t make it, they either try again, or they find another way to get up there. The point is, they don’t give up. And trust me, I know that it’s not always easy – life is far from ideal and the best laid plans or intentions have a tendency to derail along the way. I have had many a goal or project I have pursued that has been rejected or ignored a hundred times over and it will happen a hundred more times again this year alone as I move forward with new ideas and goals. But it only serves to make me try harder, or to be more creative, or more bold because all it takes is one yes, but you will never get that one yes unless you try and that is why I am so excited for a fresh new start.
Zoey
For those of you, like me, who are looking forward to a new year, a fresh start, and new challenges and goals, I hope that you find the inner strength to reinvent yourself, to dare to dream, and to be willing to venture into areas that are out of your comfort zone. If you are frustrated looking for a new job, keep your mind open by learning new skills and by applying for positions that you might otherwise pass by. Don’t take everything literally – you might be exactly what someone is looking for but if you give up before you even try, you will never know. Or if this is the year that you plan on writing a book, then do it. You don’t have to write a best-selling novel, but you at least have to get the ball rolling by starting with the first sentence. If you are looking for a new relationship, take the first step and say hello to that person, if you are looking to end one, take that first step in saying goodbye.
Harley
Whatever it is for you, no matter how large or small the goal, just be kind to yourself and others. If 2013 has taught me anything, it is that life is fleeting and that you don’t get a rewind button. Time moves on and all you really have is what is in front of you at the moment. Appreciate it, cherish it, make the most of it and don’t waste precious time with anger, regret, or bitterness.
I wish you all the best this year and I hope you follow the inspirational lead of your cats. Or not… I just remembered that Harley has not moved off the couch since 2009 so maybe she’s not the best example of reinvention, creativity, and boldness. Although I must admit that she is very happy living in the moment of her divine laziness and I certainly can’t fault her for that… Come to think of it, I think more relaxation and napping time in 2014 probably wouldn’t be the worst advice in the world for a highly driven lunatic like myself who needs to slow down a bit and relax now and again! Balance… that’s what’s 2014 should be all about…
Naps to All and Happy New Year from the Zee and Zoey Gang!
Mr. Jazz
A special New Year wish to my beloved Mr. Jazz who taught me to be a kinder, more tolerant, and patient person last year. He is my eternal muse and inspiration for much moving forward this year. R.I.P. my darling boy and I hope you are finding much love, friendship, and comfort from those kitty friends who have also crossed over the bridge with you. My heart goes out to all who have gone through a loss and may your heart heal in time…
I hope you enjoy all the photo quotes – please click to enlarge if you would like to see them magnified.
What a lovely post to start the new year with. We can never go wrong when we look to our cats for guidance. Happy New Year to you – may it be your best one yet!
Thank you Ingrid… cats never fail to inspire me! Happy New Year to you and your gang as well!
A beautifully written and wise post, especially the message of how we feline’s can teach mew humans about living life at its fullest. I wish mew all a healthy, happy, and fulfilled New Year! Purrrrrr!!
Thank you Ms. Phoebe – I am glad you enjoyed the post and I wish you and yours a Happy New Year!
Inspirational message for a new beginning!
Glad you liked the message Rosemary!
We are delighted to see 2013 go bye-bye. From all our hearts right to your door, we wish you the best for two oh one four!
Bye-bye indeed. Thank you for the lovely comment Brian. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Oh Deb you do tug at my heart strings! You are such a sweet soul! Your wisdom and your gift of writing never ceases to amaze me. There are many good things in store for us in 2014…I just know it!! CHEERS!!
Toni – any year with you in it is always better!! Thank you for the kind comment and all my love and best wishes to you and yours!
Great post! We love the point of view. Happy new year to you and your family.
Sometimes, Cats Herd You – I am so glad you appreciated my take on the New Year and I wish you all the best to you and yours!
Deb this is a universal New Year’s inspiration for anyone no matter their hopes, dreams or fears. So touching and beautifully written as always. The analogy to cats is so true.
I needed to read it, and read it out loud. Balance is the key word. I am a true LIBRA and this past year was off balance. While I’m never lacking in inspiration and motivation, I’ve learned it is to a fault that I try to do it all and in the process the execution falls short of my expectations and sometimes that of others. As a pleaser and perfectionist I need to find a happy balance.
Like you wrote, it’s about getting out of my comfort zone and that is what I must do. I have to learn to reach out more. I know I’ll be rejected, but your post reminded me that I need to accept those hundred rejections before reaching that “Yes”.
Thank you dear Deb for your genuine expressions, your wisdom and friendship. I am blessed to have you in my life.
A Happy, Healthy, and Blessed New Year to your and your family.
is this part of CA? Cat-aholics Anonymous–I didn’t expect to open up so much! Your words moved me so…
Christine – as you know, I am a Libra as well and it was a difficult feat keeping myself at peace last year. I do hope that we both can take my advice and find some inner peace.
You are such an inspiration to me and I know you want to do it all – we both have so many ideas, but so little time! I am glad you were able to open up and I am so glad I was able to move you! Happy New Year to you and yours! xoxoxo
A good post to read on this first day of a new year. May 2014 be a year of adventure and happiness for you.
I’m glad you liked the post jansfunnyfarm and I wouldn’t mind some adventure and happiness!
Beautiful post. Happy New Year. Wishing the best for you and your beautiful kitties.
Charlie, Cashew, Garfield, Tubby
Thank you Sue – Happy New Year to you, Charlie, Cashew, Garfield, and Tubby!
Beautiful post Deb and I need to do MUCH of what you mentioned. I see we were somewhat on the same thought process I think you only saw the post I did for sammy but on Dec 31 Cody posted some quotes and photos too that you just might like. They relate to what you are talking about. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am glad you appreciated the post Caren and I do hope you take some of my advice! I stopped by for your photo quotes with Cody and really enjoyed them! Happy New Year to you, Lenny, Cody, and Dakota!
What a beautiful and very deep post. Happy New Year to you, dear friends. We hope your 2014 is filled with much joy, laughter and love. 🙂
Thank you meowmeowmans – wishing much joy, laughter, and love to you and yours as well!
I’m also glad 2013 is over and am looking forward to 2014. Great thoughts to begin anew in a new year!
Thank you for stopping by Life with Dogs and Cats and I wish you and yours a much better year!
What a wonderful post to start the new year! We hope 2014 is filled with much happiness for you. Happy New Year!!
I am glad you enjoyed the post Island Cats – Happy New Year to you and yours!
YOUR WORDS TOUCHED MY HEART.MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED 2014.
Nancy – I am so happy to know I have touched your heart. May you and yours have a blessed 2014 as well.
Beautiful felines best illustrate beautiful thoughts, hopes and dreams! May yours all come true in the coming year~Bernadette and Mimi, Mewsette, Giuseppe, Sunshine, Bean and Lady Emeraude
Thank you Bernadette and feline gang – I wish you all a wonderful New Year!
Happy New Year! Beautiful post. We’re glad 2013 is gone, it wasn’t a good one for us either.
The Florida Furkids
I am sorry that 2013 was not a good year for you Florida Furkids – it’s a unanimous good riddance and we wish you and yours all the best as we enter this New Year!
What a wonderful post! We too had a not so good year, but we have learned that each day is a new beginning!
We sends yous love and wishes yous a Happy New Year!
May 2014 be the best one ever!
Kisses
Nellie
I am sorry to hear that last year was not so great for you Penelope – I am sending lots of love and positive thoughts your way as we enter this New Year!
This was a very thoughtful and thought-provoking post. It made me think of all the times I have had to reinvent myself! Each of the quotes and photos was just right. I was mesmerized by Kizmet’s eyes, as I always am, and got a good laugh about Harley not leaving the couch since 2009. All-in-all, a post that was all-in-all. Thanks. Happy New Year, Janet
Thank you Kitties Blue – I always appreciate your comments as I know that you really let my words resonate with you. I wish you and yours all the best as we enter this New Year!
All of your cats are stunning! And Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you Cattle Aussies! And Happy New Year to you and yours as well!
So inspirational! Here’s to a new year of new possibilities and reaching for goals we *can* achieve! And many purrs to you as you remember Mr. Jazz so fondly….
I am glad you found the post inspirational Maxwell, Faraday, and Allie!! Happy New Year to you as well and looking forward to reaching some goals!!