As a result of a course I am currently undertaking, I have a bit of a positive psychology vibe going on. This is as much of a shock to me as any of you, as she who cannot abide homework or studying, has immersed herself in textbooks on the topic of Authentic Happiness, Positive Psychology and the art of Flourishing. I feel like a right swot but am delighted that in the midst of my mid life, a new yearning for learning has appeared among the fog of hormones and confusion. Just at the point that I was reading up on the value of gratitude, mindfulness, GRIT and positive emotions one of my dreams came true...I kid you not ! Now, as most of you are aware, I have a chequered history when it comes to breeding cats. Various tragically hilarious situations have seen my cat population go from 1 to 9 and back to 1 in various stages. My want for some female company has seen most of the felines turn out to be female, one of whom for 18 months until the highly observant GASP noticed 2 large glands at "her" rear, glands I had repeatedly failed to notice...well a lady doesn't look down there does she ? Anyway, in recent weeks we have had one cat " Socky" whom I adore as the only member of the family who greets me with joy, love and affection every time I appear in the kitchen. Yes, I know she is just looking for food like the other 3 buckos, but she has the decency to rub my leg and gaze up at me as opposed to lying on the couch licking herself shouting " when is dinner ready ?" Last year I had thought my dream had come true when Socky produced a litter, one of whom was a tabby, which I had always wanted. Unfortunately that tabby decided to go for a spin in GASPS's jeep and hopped off at his mothers house, leaving me bereft.
I have now, of course , adopted an optimistic positive psychology approach and just like those totally authentic messages you have to share on social media, I shared my dream and it came true !!! 4 magnificent, cute, adorable, cuddly, furry, dinky tabby kittens were presented to me by the very proud Socky earlier this week and, to my absolute joy, have taken residence in our little cat house. On this the second week of my annual 2 week summer holiday, these gorgeous things have facilitated moments of pure mindfulness, sitting watching them wrestle or feed, gratitude as I spy them every morning on getting up and GRIT as I persevere sneaking up on them to gradually get them used to my handling them. Today, I have spent my last day of holidays, instead of leaping ahead to thoughts of work tomorrow, sitting quietly and happily in my garden in the sun watching these tiny creatures play feeling lots of positive emotions. Needless to say the boys can conjor up all these feelings from a Liverpool victory ! It takes a little more effort for me to switch off but it is worth it. I return to work tomorrow refreshed and will remember to Work, Rest
and Play, just like my little tabby toppers.
P.S. I will keep you updated in relation to kitten numbers....history has a habit of trodding not so gently on my dreams !! :)
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