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How Cats Help Count 'Goal Bruises'
 When one transplants oneself from 2,800 sq. ft. of living space on a solid foundation to 320 sq. ft. on wheels there will be consequences.
For one thing, your physical antennae will have to undergo an entirely new range of settings. Since moving into our RV I've lost count of the number of times I have turned around and smacked myself into an unfamiliar wall, drawer, counter, piece of furniture etc. And not only once, but repeatedly. The result is a new pastime, counting the new crop of bruises every night.
Much the same as happens to you when you set new goals, it's all new territory, what I like to refer to as s-t-r-e-t-c-h out of the comfort zone. Most of us don't adjust too well to the discomfort of the bruises when we bump into some of the unfamiliar obstacles on the path to our goal achievement.
Take, for instance the adjustment, or in one case non-adjustment, of our two cats (Sid and Sol) to the change in living environment. Now Sid's rather mellow fellow and after an initial thorough investigation of all corners, crevices, cupboards, furniture and toilet (of course) and the discovery that food, water and potty box were also part of the deal, he pretty much settled down for an all important snooze.
One the other side of the food dish we have Solomon who howled and prowled all night long during our first nocturnal stay resulting in bleary eyes all round the next morning. I've heard of de-barking a dog, but de-meowing a cat? Hmmm, tempting. No sooner did he begin to adjust after a couple of weeks when we started the motor and headed out on the road. Not only did he have to adjust to a new home, but the dang thing makes strange noises and actually moves! Once again we listen to hours of loud complaining from Sol while Sid either sleeps on the couch or rides up on the dashboard studying the world as it passes by.
Being that they are pets and entirely dependant upon their owners, they don't realize that they have been committed to these new lifestyle goals set by Mum and Dad. They don't have the choice to un-commit (quit). And so they do what all animals do, they adapt.
We humans could take a lesson. When it comes to our goal setting adventures, we should adopt the lesson of the animals: commit and adapt, realizing that to 'quit' is not an option. Yes, as with Solomon, you can see the process as scary, you will want to howl in protest at times, you will want to hide from the strangeness and your fears, OR you can be like Sid and relax on the dashboard of life and observe what comes your way.
Being human, we usually make our own commitments, but sometimes life has a way of creating circumstances wherein we must adapt or perish and we have a choice to either commit or complain. The time comes when a new range of goals is needed. I suggest you make a game of counting your goal bruises, knowing that with the adjustment of your antennae they will lessen and cease.
Look at each bruise along the path as a medal well earned and be proud of yourself. Let a bit of time teach you that it is all for a reason, usually your 'growth' on this planet, and to complain is to risk being de-meowed by those with you who are looking upon the changes as an adventure!
Your assignment: r assignment:
1. Know that bruises don't hurt unless you push on them and that they do fade away.
2. Allow the time needed for your antennae to adjust and reconfigure to your new 'surroundings'.
3. Get a pet (or borrow one) and observe it!
©Lynn Moore 2007, Clear Goals Coaching All right reserved
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