Have you ever heard the analogy inspired by the myth that cats have nine lives? It’s a concept that serves as a reminder of life’s different chapters and journeys. Just like a cat’s nine lives, our lives are filled with various chapters, experiences, lessons, and opportunities. Each ‘life’ represents a phase in our journey, from childhood to old age, and the lessons we must learn along the way. These ‘lives’ are not just about the passage of time but also about the unique experiences and challenges we face in each phase. All of these lessons lead us to the most important realization of all: the importance of cherishing each moment. And that our time in this life is limited, so it’s crucial to make the most of it.
Life experiences, when compared to a cat’s nine lives, have taught me to appreciate the years I have left. That’s why I’ve decided to start celebrating my birthdays again—brightly, with glitter, candles, flowers, and balloons everywhere. It’s my personal anniversary, a joyous celebration of life and self. As I finish cleaning up the last white balloons from yesterday’s celebration, the following thoughts come to mind:
The Good Old Company
Spending time with good company can truly refresh and rejuvenate our energy. The joyful moments we share with others are invaluable and often become our most cherished memories. The moments we create with our loved ones are among our greatest treasures, shaping who we are and influencing how we perceive the world.
Admit it. We Are Not Always Right
Many of us fall into the trap of believing we are always right, especially during arguments or conflicts. This mindset can stop our growth, limit our learning throughout life, and even damage our connections with others. It’s important to reflect on whether you want to be right in every disagreement or if you would rather prioritize your happiness, well-being, and connection with others. Sometimes, understanding the other person’s perspective and finding common ground is more important than insisting on being right.
My Home
Our bodies are not just physical vessels; they represent our homes. Just as we are careful about whom we invite into our living spaces, we must also be selective about who we allow into our inner world and close to our energy. It takes years of self-growth to create a comfortable space within ourselves, so we need to be very picky about who gains access to our lives. Only those who have done similar personal work should be allowed in.
Positive Minded People
It is essential to prioritize self-respect by recognizing the power we have to choose our relationships. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who uplift, support, and genuinely care for us is essential. We must learn to create an environment that nurtures our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being by fostering connections with positive-minded people. Taking care of our bodies also complements the cultivation of a circle of friends who encourage our growth and happiness.
100 Playlists
Music, in its many forms, acts as a powerful remedy. It offers healing in difficult times and brings immense joy and celebration during happy moments. Music lifts the spirits and is a comforting companion for the soul, demonstrating the profound impact that creativity has on our lives.
Protect Those You Love
It is essential to remember that the people we love deserve our protection, both physically and emotionally. This involves being respectful of their feelings, offering a listening ear during difficult times, validating their experiences, and being present for them. By doing this, we not only strengthen our bonds but also enhance the resilience of our relationships, demonstrating to our loved ones that they are valued and respected.
Fine As A Good Wine
As I journey through life, I’ve noticed a remarkable phenomenon: we women gain a profound sense of freedom, sensuality, and confidence as we age. With each passing year, we blossom into our authentic selves, becoming increasingly self-assured and liberated, and this allows us to vigorously pursue our passions and happiness.
Time provides a profound shift in our mindset and outlook on life. As we gain experience and wisdom, we often find ourselves shedding the societal expectations and pressures that once held us back. It’s similar to discarding an old coat that no longer fits, empowering us to embrace who we truly are and to cultivate relationships that resonate with our new selves and the work we have put into our personal growth.
Just as a well-crafted hanger enhances the beauty of a delicate designer dress, we women have the extraordinary ability to uplift and beautify not only our own spirits but also those of our loved ones. Our evolving intuition, femininity, and self-assurance create a powerful ripple effect, reminding us that our worth is not dictated by external standards but by our innate beauty and individuality.
We have left behind the days when we needed validation from those who had not done the work on themselves or resolved their own internal conflicts or childhood traumas. Those are not our people. Now, we want to hold hands with individuals who take responsibility for themselves, as they have done the necessary self-growth, work, and therapy on their own healing. We take pride in our growth and the message we pass on to the younger generation is this: Young Girl, your happiness belongs to you and only you alone. Make decisions based on what and who makes your soul happy.
Birth-Days
In my case, birthdays and New Year’s celebrations occur close together. As I reflect on this new year of my life, I’ve come to realize that getting older is not merely about the passage of time; it’s about losing the passion for life itself. We truly grow old when we allow the spark for life to fade and neglect the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the simple pleasures each day brings.
Consider the experience of savoring a warm cup of coffee during the quiet moments of the morning. Opening the windows and watching the sunlight gradually fill the room, listening to your favorite morning playlist, and feeling the comforting warmth of the coffee mug in your hands evoking a deep sense of peace. These simple pleasures have the power to ground us in the present and help us find contentment even in the ordinary aspects of life.
Birthdays represent a collection of simple pleasures we’ve enjoyed over the past year—blessings that we should cherish. I write this for myself, but I also hope it serves as a gentle reminder for those near me to take a step back and appreciate the little moments in life.
My promise to myself is to cultivate a greater love for life and for the people I cherish, keeping my spirit vibrant and celebrating each new candle on my birthday cake. The power to make our own choices is a profound blessing and a remarkable gift. Life, with all its complexities and wonders, is a beautiful and precious privilege that I cherish as it passes by in the blink of an eye.
As I navigate this journey, I dream of growing old surrounded by cherished memories and the people I love, sharing countless stories and ensuring that my actions never harm anyone around me. I want to continue learning to embrace love and a better version of me, appreciating the fleeting moments I have—much like the proverbial nine lives of a cat. I hope to savor every experience and connection in the upcoming chapters of my life. I plan to create memorable moments in my own beautiful way, making the most of the time I have with my loved ones.
Happy birthday to me. I am proud of the woman I am today and even more proud of the woman I intend to become later in life.
Oh, by the way, according to the first sentence, I’m now a cat.
Miau?
