This may seem a simple one, but since it just happened recently… not one of my proudest moments, except for the learning it contained.
I was eating lunch, rushing to get upstairs and to my homework. In our kitchen, my chair at the breakfast table is in a corner. Opposite this chair is the pantry, where we store both our food and Lulu’s (our cat) food. I sat down to eat, and she came and sat right on my feet, between me and the cabinet. I felt myself becoming annoyed, thinking “Why do you have to sit right there and pin me in the corner? Why do you always do that?? I am in a hurry!!!” I could feel my mind wanting to fume and complain. Then- I realized that I had a choice in how I felt. Is she sitting there to annoy me? Is she sitting there because she loves me and is glad I am home? Is she sitting there just because that’s where she likes to sit when I eat, knowing that she will get a treat afterward?
I looked down. She looked up, yawned and blinked. Her beautiful green eyes stayed focused on me. Suddenly, I saw this scene as a gesture of love. Had she changed at all? No. I did.
In that moment of frustration, I realized that I had a choice to make. I realized that I could choose to see her acting harshly and react, or see her being loving and enjoy the moment together. I laughed and chose the latter option.
(P.S.- Thanks, Lulu, for the teaching!)