Reality Checks
It has been an extra hard few days. Our family has been focused on the health of our feline family member, Shack.
He came into our lives ten years ago on my oldest kid’s tenth birthday. He was the cat we met at our local Petland store the weekend when I was ready to welcome a new feline after we lost my first cat, Powder, about 5 years earlier.
Shack, his name is still what was labelled at the pet store - changing the name to suit us never felt right and I liked it, was cuddly and welcomed pets from my young kids. Not the other one whose name was ‘nibbles’ who literally freaked out when handled by kids. His demeanour is one of calm and love. He played catch and slept at our feet.
The past three years have been an upheaval for him, first introducing a new kitten to the mix, and then a year and a half ago, we adopted an adult 14-year-old cat. Each new addition has their own unique personality and needs. And I will admit the love and attention to Shack was lessened as we incorporated the needs of the other two.
We are on day 4 of worrying; after two visits to the vet, we have the hard choice to minimize the impact on our pocketbook for testing. So, as of today, he is back eating and popping his head out to socialize a little, then returning to his cozy space under my kid’s bed.
When I look outside my office windows and see the snow fall onto an already white neighbourhood, it affirms the need to curl up inside and love and cuddle my loved ones, and yes, that is Shack for sure.
We don’t know what the next week will look like, but are hopeful that with his fever breaking that our love and care will help his body to overthrow and manage whatever is going on inside. Apparently, cats are an unknown in veterinary medicine, unlike dogs who are ‘predictable’, but honestly, it’s more about what research has been done. Dog lovers usually have larger pocketbooks, and they are emotionally needier and more demanding companions. That’s my assumption.
Needless to say, all of this has impacted my productivity. I am a creative, and the work requires a flow state of thought and energy.
I do have some tactics that I use to try and keep moving forward, which include:
Pomodoro-style work blocks. I use the Endle app, and it has a focus section that provides Pomodoro timers. Currently listening to zen vibes and waves of calm sounds of waves and music.
Re-strategizing and communicating with clients. Priorities have changed, so it’s like a triage of what needs to get done.
Letting go of my own personal angst with following through. Being honest with myself and those around me.
Intentionally taking breaks for rest. Whether it’s a half-hour block to play a game, have a nap because my eyes can’t stay open, or call a friend or colleague, which always fills me up.
The social constructs are breaking down all around us, and it’s because the systems we didn’t have the influence and fortitude to fix. Part of me knows that the struggle ahead will come away fruitful if we trust those around us and critique leaders who rise up and avoid the pitfalls we historically know are a wolf in sheep’s clothing who just want to re-brand an old idea.
I am making choices everyday out of love and compassion. This is my power.
