Cat Lessons

Cats lead very simple lives and yet I feel I've learned a lot of important lessons from our furry friends:

• Divide your life into only those things that are important. Sleeping, eating, and causing trouble.

• If things don't go your way, have a coping mechanism. For example, chew on a cardboard box or paper.

• It's worth finding the things you love to do and doing them over and over again. For example, it never gets old to pull a water glass over or to chase your ball down the stairs.

• Figure out the strengths of those around you and appreciate the strengths in your loved ones. John is an excellent play and food animal and Kristen is a good cuddle animal. However, it's also important to keep in mind that sometimes you can ask someone to do something they aren't typically good at.

• Learn to express your feelings in a way that can be understood by others. Purring means I'm happy and loved, meowing that I'm hungry or want to play and squeaking (well, we're still trying to understand what that means).

• Appreciate all good things that come into your life. Spots of sunshine and crinkly bags are just a couple of examples.

• Grandmas will do anything for you, Mom's and Dad's won't. You lost your ball under the oven, that's tough luck (Mom). Let's find that yardstick and get your ball out from under the oven (Grandma).

• It's important to always keep your sense of adventure. Dare to go new places and eat new things.

• Trust those people who your loved ones trust but be cautious around strangers.

• Change your perspective once in a while. Things from the top of the china hutch look very different than from the couch.

• Know where to turn when you are scared.