Think Like a Cat – Finding Common Ground for the New Year 2025
As with any year, 2024 saw its share of highs and lows, joys and heartaches. We also saw a time in our nation more polarized than we’ve been accustomed to in recent years. The presidential election brought out the best and worst in many of us, with the results, for some, so unbearable the thought of moving forward in any positive fashion seems unfathomable.
I, for one, was deeply saddened, disappointed, and discouraged by the outcome. But I also believe we must make the most of circumstances and not drown in negativity, anger, or denial. Pick up our bootstraps and adjust our sails, so to speak. Business consultant Susan Graham sums it up nicely:
“Win with humility, lose with grace, and do both with dignity.”
I am still me, and all of you are still you. Despite how it might sometimes seem, this is a wonderful world, and we are blessed to be a part of it. I’m grateful for my cats, family, friends, colleagues, and the birds and squirrels who brighten my world daily. I’m also thankful for my job and my writing and graphic design opportunities. The list goes on, so for 2025, I remain committed to living a life of gratefulness, kindness, compassion, empathy, and tolerance. Nobody can ever take that away from me. Look for common ground in circumstances that don’t always make sense or might not be your opinion or choice. If my mortal enemy cats, Jazmine and Shadow, can find common ground to get along, I think the rest of the world can, too!
It’s been over 5 years, and Jazmine (Left) and Shadow (Right) still don’t get along. Food, however, is their common ground, and for those brief moments at feeding time, all is well with the world.
Happy New Year Everyone! Best Wishes from all of us at Zee & Zoey’s for peace, love, good health, and happiness.
AI generated artwork based on the creative prompts of author and artist, Deborah Barnes.
Happy New Year to all of you.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
Very well stated, Deb! Our reactions to the election were similar, and your words about coping are wise. Happy New Year to all!
Deb,
I couldn’t have said it better and I thank you for these wise, warm, and positive thoughts as we enter into unknown territory in 2025.
We can coexist — we MUST coexist! as Jazmine and Shadow illustrate. This has happened in my furmily, too, and instead of fighting, divorce and other unsavory outcomes, my beloved cats have inspired me and shown me that not every difference need be cause for rancor.
Wishing you all the very best 2025 possible, from another deeply disappointed but determined friend!
happee mew yeer guyz frum me, mackerull, N de food gurl. hope 25 izza pawsum awesum
happee healthee one, N each day… ewe findz fizh in yur dizh 🐟🪅🎊💚💙😺
Well said, Deb. We agree with you about moving into this new year with resolve, kindness, and hope. Happy New Year to you and the Gang. XO
Such a wonderful message! Happy New Year 2025 from all of us at Brian’s Home.
Wishing you a purrfect 2025!!!
Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year! XO
Beautifully said, and so very true, and am very much in agreement with your words. As difficult as it may sometimes be (which I know it will) it is a goal to be “the better version of myself” that I so want to be, through more acts of kindness, remembering that words matter always and that like Jazmine and Shadow, there can always be some common ground if we only look for it. Thank you Debra … and may this year to come be good in all ways for you and yours.
🎇🎇Double Pawkisses for a Happy, Healthy and Joyful New Year to all of you. Make it a wonderful year!🐾😽💞
Deb, Thank you for this thoughtful and timely post. I needed to read this and take it to heart. Happy Mew Year from all of us to all of you. XOCK, angels Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta & Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer, Kizmet, Audrey & Raleigh
This was a perfect post Deb! It’s been hard to be positive with what is to come in 2025 but I love your quote and your take on everything. I think your advice is extremely sagacious and I am going to try and follow your lead! Happy, Blessed, and Healthy 2025!!