Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I stopped making them several years ago. Since I still like the idea of the “fresh start” a new year offers, I set New Year’s intentions instead. I think New Year’s resolutions are destined to fail, because there’s an inherent flaw in the term “resolution.” The difference is subtle, but one (intention) implies that we are actually determined to do something differently, whereas the other (resolution) simply states that we’ve decided to change something.
Setting an intention is nothing more than focusing your thoughts on what you would like to create in your life. That doesn’t mean you won’t still have to do the work, but it sets you up for a more successful outcome.
I think that’s probably why cats don’t make New Year’s resolutions. When I asked Allegra and Ruby about it, they gave me a funny look. Allegra said New Year’s Resolutions are a silly human invention. She said cats live in the moment and don’t worry about what they should be doing next, so they don’t need resolutions. Ruby begged to differ and said she resolves to get more treats this year.
My intention for this year is to make setting intentions a daily practice, rather than a once a year exercise. At the beginning of each day, after I spend some time meditating and clearing my head, I will set the intention for that day. This is not so much a to do list, as it is setting the tone for the day ahead. Rather than focusing on getting x, y and z done, I will focus on how I want to accomplish the day’s tasks, and on making sure that there is balance in my day.
Allegra and Ruby think this is much ado do about nothing. Allegra says if I just focus on living in the moment, all the rest will fall into place. Ruby says she’ll intend to get more treats every day.
If your cats were to make New Year’s resolutions, what do you think they would be?
My two intensely spoiled and pampered cats don’t need a resolution or intention, they are happy and content with their lives. I have observed this since they refuse to tell me. Well, maybe Charlie intends to try freedom more often but since we moved to a strange new area he never made it beyond the front porch before he rushed back in. My resolution is as always, not to make any resolutions at all. Just intentions, as Ingrid says. Happy New Year everyone.
Happy New Year, Monica!
Very thought provoking post, Ingrid… all cats would like more treats, more food I’m sure, if asked. Trying to make a New Year resolution for one of ours at the moment who should be a lot less heavy than he is….. trouble is he eats his own and everyone else’s…..
It can be challenging to get a cat to lose weight, Margaret. Maybe these tips will help: https://ingridking.com/2015/08/31/weight-loss-tips-for-cats/
Piper would say she resolves to make all visitors pay homage to her regardless if they are allergic to cats (as happened recently). She was not too pleased with this visitor who just happened to be a friend. I reminder her that he is a police officer as well, and I am not in the habit of making demands from a man who has pledged to protect and defend us from harm. She reminded me that his police dog once scared her with his bark, and just because someone is allergic to cats that is still no reason not to pay homage to her. She thinks the they are sworn to protect, serve and pet. 🙂 Of course more treats is a given! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I think Piper has the right idea about the “serve and pet” part, Cindy!
I would like my one cat Pumpkin to make a resolution to not gobble down her food so fast so she can throw it up 2 minutes later….
I don’t make resolutions either. I just go day by day. My kitties would probably say more treats too. LOL.
Mine would probably say to eat more
I wish all of our 25 cats would make the New Year’s resolution to use the litter box, aim right, and cover up. 🙂