It’s me, Nova the #TherapyCat, again. You haven’t heard from me since February, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been working on some things (but mostly I have been playing). I appreciate you taking the time to read some of my reflections and thoughts about life as a cat and mental health for all of us.
I was invited the other day to join my humans for a game of cards. It was fun, even though I kept losing. You see the confusion (look at me using a feeling word) in my face. However, I eventually realized that having my cards exposed to everyone gave them an advantage. I suppose having opposable thumbs would be helpful.
Here I am peering onto the back porch at my humans. Sometimes they abandon me to go outside, but luckily, I can observe them here from my perch. I have shared my abandonment history in previous blogs. And though I cannot go outside with my humans, they have the sensitivity to interact with me at the window. Reassurance is one of the most important coping skills for abandonment. I hope you have someone in you life that can provide you reassurance.
I love this laundry basket. It is perfect for gripping with my claws. My humans let me play with almost anything, even a common laundry basket. I have told you in the past how important it is to keep a playful spirit. However, it may be important to understand why. The world is a serious place, filled with numerous problems. When we play, we give our brain a break from all the thinking and problem-solving. It calms our spirit and opens us up to new possibilities when we return to solving all the serious problems of the world.
Speaking of solving problems, here I am doing some thinking and reflecting. I do look pretty serious. You might not think we cats have much to solve, but that is not true. We need to work out attack plans, escape plans, and most importantly, spying out the best sleeping locations. We cats are unlikely to reveal our deepest secrets, but world domination is up for consideration (don’t tell anybody).
You didn’t think I could be this cute. Well, I can. Honestly, my humans caught this picture when they interrupted a moment of meditation. Quiet moments of reflection are also essential for reducing stress. Like play, meditation can soothe your stress. I highly recommend sitting quietly. You don’t need to plan world domination in these quiet moments, just let your mind rest.
Of course, sleep is important. I have said this before. But here again my humans have captured a photo of me sleeping. Do you have a consistent sleep schedule? Do you go to bed and wake up at the same time? Sleep is one of the most essential ways you can take care of your brain. It is one of the reasons we cats are so smart (much smarter than dogs). And probably why world domination by cats is a likely outcome.
I like hiding. It is an excellent strategy for sneak attacks. It is not a great strategy for relationships. Shame can lead to hiding. For the healthiest of relationships, we should strive to be vulnerable rather than hiding. This can be scary, hard work, but the payoff is rewarding. Of course, the occasional sneak attack can be fun.
Really? This is completely embarrassing. I cannot believe my humans let this picture slip in here. I thought I had destroyed all copies and evidence of its existence. We all have embarrassing moments. The best thing is to embrace them, laugh at ourselves, and move on. I hope you’ll be able to take that advice. As for me, I might struggle a bit, and if an embarrassing image of my humans makes the next blog post, well, you will know that I succumbed to revenge. Now, I am not necessarily recommending that strategy, because revenge is not good for mental health, but I am a cat. Who knows what I might be plotting?
I think that is enough for now. I will see you in a few months. Be sure to look out for the blog and find out if I succumbed to a desire for revenge.
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