A few years ago, unusual circumstances brought this beautiful little guy (Moe) to live at my home. I didn’t realize how much difference having the love of this cat would make in my world and he’s brought me so much joy and so many smiles. His presence in my life has also been a wise teacher.
When Moe came to my home it took him some time to adjust. One evening I sat with him to bring some calm, compassion and love to an animal that had been removed from everything familiar to him and placed somewhere foreign. That evening I learned how true the saying ‘you can’t love anyone else until you love yourself’ really is. In being kind, compassionate and loving to Moe it hit home for me that I wasn’t being kind, compassionate and loving to myself as I adjusted to the many changes that had taken place in my life.
A few weeks ago, Moe had two strokes. It broke my heart to see him so vulnerable and unable to stand or walk. The gift of being present and caring for him while he recovered has taught me once again that I haven’t been treating myself with love and kindness during what can only be described as a very challenging year and a half.
Moe has made an amazing recovery and I’m grateful. I’m also grateful for the gift of loving and caring for him which in turn, is bringing me back home to loving and caring for myself.