Week 3. Making New Friends
I Love Life!
This week as part of my 52-week challenge, I made a small but significant change, I decided to set up an outdoor workspace. Fresh air, a new perspective, and a slight shake-up of routine felt necessary, little did I know, my workspace would soon be shared. A stray cat, seemingly unbothered by the world yet intrigued by my presence, started appearing each morning. At first, he was just watching. But as the days passed, he grew bolder, edging closer, settling in. By week's end, he had made himself quite at home, as if he had decided that we belonged to each other in some small way.
Cats are curious creatures. I have never had one before; my experience has always been with dogs.
Losing my dog last year after twelve years together was a truly painful experience. When she passed, people would often say how lucky she was to have been rescued and how wonderful her life had been. But the truth is, she rescued me. She brought a sense of stability and routine into my life at a time when I desperately needed it. The responsibility of caring for another life was both new and grounding, and as time went on, it became an honour. She was not without her mischievous quirks, but she was a constant source of joy. Those twelve years were a gift, and though the pain of her absence remains, the gratitude I feel for having had her in my life outweighs the sorrow of losing her.
She was a blessing, Life is a blessing. Thankyou Lilly.
And now, here is this cat. Uninvited yet welcome. A reminder that sometimes, companionship finds us when we least expect it. I find myself wondering, what makes a stray animal choose one person over another? Is it something in our energy, our body language, or simply chance?
Whatever the reason, his presence this week has been a small but meaningful reminder that connection, in all its forms, is a gift. Life is a gift.
The Power of Gratitude
Reflecting on this, I cannot help but extend my gratitude beyond this singular moment. I think of all those who dedicate themselves to caring for animals, whether it be pet owners, rescuers, shelter workers, vets or simply kind-hearted strangers who feed a hungry stray. Showing kindness to animals is a reflection of the kindness we carry within ourselves. It requires humility, patience, and an innate understanding that all life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is deserving of care.
Gratitude is a powerful force.
It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It reminds us that even in moments of loss, there is something to be thankful for.
This week, I want to honour all those who care for animals, who see their value beyond mere ownership. To those who make room in their hearts for another life, even when it is inconvenient or unexpected, Thank You. Your kindness does not go unnoticed, not by the world and certainly not by the creatures whose lives you touch.
As for me, I will continue to show up at my outdoor workspace, and I suspect my new friend will too. Perhaps our stories have intertwined for a reason. Perhaps he is just a cat, and I am just a person who happened to be in the same place at the same time. But whatever the case, I am grateful for the addition to my new office.
