I had a literal wake up call of sorts this morning. Cats are like kids in that they have their own personality and quirks; things that are endearing and others that drive you nuts.
This little girl who, although slightly neurotic and very jealous of her sister, wakes up perky and talkative, was slow to move today. Her eyes were half shut and her mouth open. I knew before I got out of bed we'd be visiting the vet before lunchtime.
Fortunately, the good people at Kensington Vet don't think there's too much concern and she may just be unwell from eating different than her normal food last night. She was given a painkiller and I have to monitor her breathing for a day or so, but it's not a nice feeling to not be able to 'fix' it and make her feel better.
There's often that initial "What's this going to cost me?" thought with unplanned or unbudgeted medical costs, whether for yourself, your family, or your pets.
I had that thought this morning, but knew it didn't really matter. I'd do it and I'd pay what's necessary to fix either myself or my pets. You just do.
Now I'm sitting here in my lounge with both my cats asleep on my lap. I believe they think I exist so they can sleep on me and so I can feed them.
Too often, we take for granted the status quo; our daily routine, the things we have and, most importantly, our health. We simply can't be, do, or have the things we need if we don't have our health.
I have to take medication daily, to help me function 'normally' (whatever 'normal' is), although I still need to remind myself sometimes to be grateful for the health I have. It allows me to work a job, run my businesses and take care of my responsibilities. I'm grateful for my limitations, because they make me appreciate my ability to move and be active. The choice to move and be active.
Taking care of yourself is a responsibility. How can you expect to continue to work, to provide, to care for and nurture those around you (including your pets), if you're not looking after yourself? How can you fully serve others (and that includes what you do at work and at home) if you're not first of all fully taking care of yourself?
Putting others first is a little backasswards. Looking after yourself first allows you to give and be more for others. It's worth the change in behaviour and perspective, right?
