3 life lessons from saying goodbye to my beloved cat
Two years ago - I said goodbye to my sweet black cat, Indy.
It was a major turn-the-page moment that marked the end of a five-month upheaval in my life, and the start of a clearer and more aligned vision for what I wanted my life to look like moving forward.
While it was a gut-wrenching decision, I knew it was the right one. He had been really sick for the previous 5 months, and it had become clear that there was no getting better.
Caring for Indy in those five months was transformational for me.
This weekend, I spent some time reflecting on that tumultuous period and realized how much Indy’s passing taught me about life.
In a nutshell, here’s what Indy taught me:
1️⃣ It’s Ok To Feel Your Feelings
For much of my life, I prided myself on being even-tempered and not prone to emotional swings. Yet, Indy taught me that it’s okay to allow ourselves to feel deeply. And boy did I feel! I experienced every shade of grief, love, anger, and relief. But I learned that emotions are fundamental to truly living, and embracing them, even the difficult ones, is crucial for healing and growth.
🤔 Do you create space in your life to feel the range of your emotions? What emotions might you be holding back?
2️⃣ Get a Coach and Gain Clarity
During those challenging months, I realized I needed guidance. Meeting my coach, Natasha Cecere, was transformative. Through her, I learned to focus on what truly mattered to me: helping people embrace the power of their personal stories. Indy’s journey prompted me to rethink my consulting career path, leading me to become a Story Coach.
🙌🏻 If you’re feeling stuck or anxious, I urge you to find support to help you get clear in your life goals and core values. The right guidance can change everything.
3️⃣ Community is Key
Normally an independent person, I discovered that vulnerability and asking for help created deeper bonds and a network of support. Friends like Tara and Rue showed up in ways I never expected, like literally crawling in bed with me to comfort me during a crying fit. Their support reinforced my deep love of community and led me to double down on joining communities like the Future of Storytelling, Groundfloor, and the Co-Active Training Institute so I could welcome even more amazing people into my life.
⭐ Reflect on your own life – who are those individuals that hold you up when you need it most? Embrace them and let them know their value.
Looking back, Indy’s illness was more than just a challenging period; it was a catalyst for positive growth and evolution in my life.
As I honor Indy’s memory, I hope my journey resonates with others facing similar trials. Life's challenges, whether they involve loss, career shifts, or personal exploration, offer transformative opportunities for those willing to grow through them.
Remember, no matter what story you are currently living, you have the power to write the narrative you wish to follow. ✨
I ask that as a tribute to Indy, please give your furry friends an extra treat today.🐾
And I’d love to hear about the pets that have touched your life. Please share a photo and their story in the comments.
Let’s celebrate our beloved companions and the many ways they enrich our life stories. 💖
