;
Yes, I continue to torture my cat for the purposes of my blog (well, not really). There was a repair man at my apartment today and I needed to lock my cats on the balcony for an hour while they worked. Two of the cats enjoyed it, the third was NOT happy – as the photo shows. As I watched my screaming cat, I thought of how often we do the same in relationships in our lives. How many time have you wanted to scream at someone to let you in???
Relationships can be challenging things – balancing the needs of adults and children. It is so easy to get out of the habit of reaching out and serving to each other and instead end up fighting to be heard. I have seen this happen over and over.
I wonder how relationships would change if we all learned to let each other in – if we trusted each other – if we reached out to each other – if we were able to show how much we care.
What would this world look like if more people focused on what they could give to a relationship instead of only what they get out of the relationship?
By the way – giving to another person means giving them what they want and need (not what you want them to have!!!)
Today, 129 days ’til 40, I strive to remind myself to work on letting people in. As we reach out, we create deeper, more meaningful, relationships.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
JackieP
October 15, 2012 at 00:07
Can I ask why you have to put your cats out because of a repairman? Just curious. I very rarely lock my animals up if someone is over, repairman, friend whatever. Unless for some reason the front or back door needs to stay open then I will close them up so they don’t get out.
I guess I spoil my pets. They are my only kids. They have the run of the house 🙂
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:11
Yes, the repairman was in and out for the time and left the door open and we could not risk escape….. I live on a very busy street…. if they got out they would become flat stanley kitties, which is not such a good idea!
JackieP
October 15, 2012 at 23:32
Sorry I was nosy. It’s the same reason I would put my fur babies inside another room and close the door. My cats are afraid to go outside, but my dog would escape given half a chance! I live on a really busy street also, and my dog has escaped a few times. Almost gave me a heart attack! That is a beautiful cat you have too. 🙂
400daystil40
October 16, 2012 at 10:07
🙂
jensine
October 15, 2012 at 00:13
so is that a typo … you mean torture your cat or are you torturing both cat and car … would understand, after all cars can be so annoying
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:10
Yes, a major (and embarrassing) typo!!! Thanks for the catch!
walkwiththerabbi
October 15, 2012 at 00:15
Your post today plays right into what I posted earlier – It’s Time to Question – Everything! So often, we’re the ones getting in our own way of the relationships we’d love to be a part of. So when I speak of emptying our lives/plates of everything that dis-empowers our highest potential, sometimes all we need to do is look in the mirror for the culprit. We each much take responsibility to first seek the highest and best for our partners/loved ones first. Our needs being met will follow. Hugs from here. The rabbi has spoken. Your friend Alan. Make it a great week dear friend.
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:10
Ah, wow, our posts tend to overlap a lot, don’t they??? That is very cool!
1smiles
October 15, 2012 at 00:19
“By the way – giving to another person means giving them what they want and need (not what you want them to have!!!)”
Holy cow, you nailed it in the head!
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:09
thanks!
The Quiet Borderline (back in hospital)
October 15, 2012 at 00:29
Hope kitty survived the ordeal!
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:09
yes, she did!
tricia linden
October 15, 2012 at 02:21
Well said. LEA your fat cat. She looks forlorn. I’m sure she was happy when you once again…. let her in. Enjoy always, T
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:09
Yes, she was – and she is FAT…….. though we prefer to call her “fluffy” 🙂
Patricia
October 15, 2012 at 02:39
One of the things about letting people in is that you have to be willing to let them out if they want out.
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:08
Yes, a very good point!!!
sakuraandme
October 15, 2012 at 03:34
I think life gets busy and you drift away from one another without even noticing!
Then one day you look over to your partner and think..”when was the last time we even did anything alone?”…you get in a rut!…it’s true..you give what.. you need!..not what they do!!
Thanks for reminding me of this!..I need to appreciate and spend more 1 on 1 time with my husband. xx
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:08
Wow, this is SOOO true!
viveka
October 15, 2012 at 12:15
Think you hit the nail straight on with this post .. because personal I think that far too many of us lives in relationship where we aren’t really fully invited. Sad – but true. Great post again.
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:07
Yes, it is sad, isn’t it?
viveka
October 15, 2012 at 23:09
Yes, it really is.
Another Thousand Words
October 15, 2012 at 15:24
You’re correct in ‘letting others in’, 400…unfortunately, there are times we must let them OUT, as well! Fine post!
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:07
Point well taken (sadly)…
saymber
October 15, 2012 at 17:38
It’s tough sometimes to let people in — I have a long trial period with most relationships lol. Seeing this picture reminds me of when we had to put our kitties in a kennel during a transition period in our lives. OHHH how I hated seeing my little girl Amber patting and meowing at the window at me…something about the view through glass always messes me up. It makes me think of the veil between this reality and the ones our loved ones pass into. Each of us pawing at the glass trying to communicate.
400daystil40
October 15, 2012 at 23:06
Yes, it can be really tough… interesting thoughts re: patting through glass….