Finding yourself in a kitten

I have a new kitten. He is quite simply - amazing. In every way. And most importantly he brings us joy.

Every day. And that part wasn’t planned, it’s a wonderful bonus as I’ve been consciously searching for things that bring me joy this year. Then, once found said joy, being present with it, and truly enjoying it. Possibly like many busy working mums, this is something I have to practice!

Our lil kitten has three modes – attack, sleep and eating. In a lot of ways it’s like having another toddler in an already busy household – clearly I didn’t think this through - but I find myself watching him constantly, immersed in his play, attacking thin air and his unrelenting curiosity. It’s beautiful. He’s so carefree. And when I wake out of this trance, I find myself still, present, and smiling. I reflect on these moments thinking this is just what I need. To stop.

I don’t know about you but at the end of the school term and year end approaches, I liken it to a rising tide …. the tide is coming in at an increasing rate, and I’m waist height in water already as I think of all the things that need to be done for my kids, my husband, me, work, social calendar, school obligations, bills and our lives in general. It’s a very. Long. List. And I know that before I even get to high tide, my head will be under water. But the list will stay afloat, still demanding attention as unforgivingly, stuff will still need to get done, despite the current, despite the rip underneath the water, despite me feeling like I’m sinking.

My mode here, is survival – and my self-talk usually starts with a stream of questions ...

"Rightio. What do I need to do here? What’s essential? What is now and what can wait for future Sam?"

Got it, need to get my organisation ninja on. Prioritise like I’ve never prioritised before and most of all, remember to go easy on myself. Be kind to myself. And Repeat. As best as I can. It doesn’t need to be perfect…

SO. To be able to do all this and keep afloat, I need regular intervals of watching my kitten and other ‘rebooting’ methods and follow through with them. Religiously. If I don’t, I will sink and I’m not interested in that.

So back to our kitten. His name is Tadashi. A Japanese name that means, loyal, faithful. And on this occasion, my spin on his name is that I need to be loyal to myself. Be faithful to my authentic self and don’t over do it.

So keep an eye out for kittens, and look after yourself as the silly season is approaches. Don’t lose yourself in the chaos.