Recently I was jolted out of my own comfort zone by two changes. They seem small to outsiders but they affected my work rhythm and routine.
First, my senior cat began heading downhill. She had been with me almost 14-1/2 years, and she was listed as 5 when I adopted her. That’s just over 1/4 of my whole life…a huge chunk of my adult life. She was the perfect companion and family member — quiet, mellow, and friendly. She defied all the veterinarians who insisted her life would be cut short by her tendency to gain weight.
And within a few weeks, she was gone. I dreaded getting another cat. Where would I find a declawed cat, in politically correct Seattle, let alone a cat who could mesh with another cat and a playful dog?
In the same week I lost Tiger, my gym announced the closing of the most convenient, high quality gym available to me — about 7 minutes walk from where I live. Now I’d be taking a bus, adding considerable time to my workouts…and I work out 3 to 5 times a week.
Besides, our Queen Anne gym had become community. We “regulars” recognize each other and we know a little about each other’s work and lives — not easy in a city famous for being chilly in both people and climate.
This time, things worked out.
I found a cat who fit my specifications at the nearby Seattle Animal Shelter, and even caught a ride over with my neighbors. I wrote about her in my Midlife Dog blog. I will always honor Tiger’s memory, but she lived a full life and frankly, I wouldn’t mind having my own life end just like hers. And I’ve enjoyed watching Ophelia, who looks like a furry watermelon, become part of the household.
My second change was equally smooth. I checked out the downtown branches of my gym. They offered us an incredible deal to transfer membership and I know most of the instructors. The classes are longer and more challenging. I’ll have a whole new level of fitness by Christmas — certainly by Memorial Day. Best of all, it was fun to reconnect with others who transferred and meet new people.
Not all change leads to positive outcomes. When it does, you get a boost to energy and sometimes a new spark of creativity. This time I got lucky.
I’d like to read your stories of change and luck. Please click on the “comments” link and share.
