Lessons from those we love

We can learn a lot from our pets and animals in nature. My dear cat, Emmy, passed away in May at the age of 19 years old. It was a beautiful send-off for him with at-home euthanasia.  

I held him while we were outside. I showed up for him and held him as he passed.  

One thing I learned from this experience was that I was stronger and more capable than I thought I was. We have a strength and peace inside of us that goes beyond words and thoughts. When we fear an event in the future, remember that when the time comes, it will be the present moment. We do have the strength and capability to face the present moment because it is now real and not just in our minds. We are stronger than we think we are because we are forever connected to the Divine. Feel the peace and strength that are inside; they are present. 

Another lesson Em, my cat, taught me was to accept help and to be taken care of without guilt. Em was on 2 medications when he passed. He needed my help and accepted it.

There are times when we all need help from others. Saying we need help is a sign of strength because we have the courage to be vulnerable and admit our humanness. We want to remember to take care of ourselves too, spend time with supportive people, spend time in nature, allow ourselves to rest and do nothing. Do something that is nurturing.

We are worth our own care and the care of others.

The airlines say if the plane goes down, the caregiver needs to take the oxygen mask first. It’s vital to care for ourselves and accept support and help, so we can function and be there for those we love. As we learn to care for ourselves, it’s easier to accept help from others.