We have a cat at home, and his name is Tigger. He is an adorable creature, and he is not the only one who thinks so. Tigger is a source of joy, happiness, entertainment, learning, or just plain relaxation when needed. He may not be big—he stands only about a foot tall when on all four legs—but every inch of Tigger, mostly divided between orange and white stripes, is like a session at the most exclusive Beverly Hills therapist’s office. Watching him day in and day out provides us with invaluable lessons that can not be learned from books, read in exclusive fashion magazines, or seen in talk shows by people whose names start with O, or titles like Doctor. It would be selfish on our part to keep all what we’ve learned from Tigger to ourselves, so here is a little lick (taste) of his wisdom:
- When you wake up in morning, stretch, be grateful for a good night’s sleep, and look forward to all the great things the day will bring.
- Treat all days with a happy attitude, whether it’s sunny or rainy—it should not spoil your good mood.
- Keep looking up, that’s where all the good things come from.
- If you need something and people tell you no, don’t let that discourage you from trying. Just be persistent and sooner or later there will be a yes for you, and you’ll get what you need.
- Keep a regular schedule in all you do and that includes your eating habits, your play time, and your well-deserved relaxation time; that’s the way to keep healthy.
- Drink plenty of water, it does the body good.
- Protein is good for your diet.
- You get things when you are pleasant, never when you are grouchy.
- Expand your horizons by learning new languages so you can communicate with others who don’t speak your tongue. (Tigger tries to talk to squirrels, dogs, mosquitoes, or any creature he encounters on the balcony.)
- Pay attention to your instincts to spot those who don’t wish you well; listen to your gut feeling.
- Don’t settle for less when you know you deserve more, so sleeping on a pillow always beats sleeping on the floor.
- Be a cat person: cats have servants, dogs have masters.
- It doesn’t matter what people say about you. It’s what you think about yourself that matters. Always think highly of yourself, and people will treat you as such.
- Cats don’t purr because they are happy, they are happy that is why they purr—be happy for no reason.
- Worry less and you will sleep more.
- If you know and believe in your heart of hearts that you are beautiful, you won’t need to recognize yourself in a mirror to confirm that …
- … and people will recognize that in you, and treat you accordingly.
- Stay close to those you love.
- Stay close to those who love you.
- Just being yourself is enough. You don’t need to continuously impress anyone to make you like you—if you do, there is something wrong with you or with them.
- If faced with an enemy, believe that you are bigger and stronger than they are.
- Make eye contact when people talk to you, it builds good rapport.
- Be a joy to be around. A pleasant attitude wins the hearts of many.
- Pay attention to non-verbal language. Your face expresses all kinds of feelings. Learn to recognize them.
- Learn body language. It’s important to know if someone is not in line with you without hearing them say it.
- Get over grudges quickly. If something doesn’t go your way, just let it go, don’t dwell on it.
- Naps are essential. They make you feel refreshed and energized.
- Always keep a playful attitude.
- Be social.
- Trust. All that you need will always be provided for you, it always was and it always will be, and it won’t be a moment too late.
- Spend some time each day taking care of yourself, when you are good to yourself others will be good to you too.
- Each day spend some time outdoors—the fresh air and sunshine will do you good.
- Stop and smell the flowers.
Cats have been around for thousands of years, Cleopatra had one, and many of history’s great artists and thinkers did too. If you are a cat owner, count yourself lucky. Apparently cat owners have lower blood pressure, recover quicker from diseases, and enjoy better health in general. If you don’t have one yet, I advise you to schedule some time this coming weekend to visit a local shelter and check out some of those furry creatures. Chances are you’ll fall in love with one and you’ll come home together. If you, do be prepared to enjoy a life with a purring, fun-loving, snuggling companion that will lull you to sleep at night, and wake you up in the morning with a wet nose nudge on your hand. For those who don’t know the cat-lingo, it means “Good morning dear, time to wake up. We’re going to have a fabulous day today!”
