The Simple Things That Make All The Difference

A powerful truth about sharing quiet moments with your loved ones and why you should never give up on asking one more time

We have established a new habit with my hooman recently. You see, back when Princ was around, he would spend hours and hours on the balcony. Me and Apricot would join him there quite often too. But since he passed away, the balcony feels a little deserted, and frankly, I don’t like to be there on my own very much.

Though I have an uncanny feeling that Princ still occupies his spot on the grass, and I naturally keep that one free for him just in case (I mean no one wants to step on an invisible cat and get the shock of their life), it’s still not quite the same as seeing him there…

So I would often just pop in there to check what’s going on outside, but other than that, I would head back home. No leisure there like we used to do back then.

Of course, that makes me a little sad sometimes, and perhaps a little bored too.

My hooman often wonders how she could make me feel better, how to entertain me, or keep me occupied. She would try to get me moving, chasing some silly light (which I often fall for and then hate myself for it) or other silly objects… but quite frankly, running around is not really my thing. After all, I’m not a dog.

So, not having much success with me, she keeps wondering how to make my life more exciting and how to please me more. I know, it’s quite nice of her. And yet, it’s quite easy - you see, I’m a simple cat who likes simple things…

And the other day, she finally understood.

As I was doing my regular balcony checkup, she came over and joined me. I meowed at her like I would so many times before, offering my belly for some belly rubs. She took me up on my offer as she often would, but this time, when she stood back up and I meowed at her again, she sat down on the chair there, offering to keep me company.

Now, this is proof of two things - one, that hoomans are incredibly slow in understanding. Two, that even if you feel like there is no point in trying again, that something is absolutely hopeless because you tried so many times, it never is. Because when you least expect it, the thing you’ve been asking for all this time will finally happen.

I don’t know how or why, but my hooman finally got it. She finally understood what it was that would make me truly happy…

So that’s one lesson I came to share here today. But there’s one more.

You see, when she sat down, I immediately recognized the opportunity, the one I’ve been waiting for for so long, and took my spot in my favorite wooden plant tray. This was it - here we were, relaxing on the balcony. Quietly, together. Just enjoying each other’s company and taking in the evening. No words necessary. Not even belly rubs, though they do feel nice, and she did offer some.

But the point is, sometimes the best things you can do are the simplest things. Like when you wonder what would make someone happy or how you could help them, and you think of all these complicated things, and yet, all that is needed is simply being there for them. Sharing a moment together, sharing a space.

You don’t need to speak, you don’t even need to touch. Being together is enough.

In fact, sometimes quietness can speak a million words, and it speaks them in a way words never could.

And it’s those people or cats, you can sit comfortably with while saying absolutely nothing, that are those that matter. When you know no words are necessary. When you know that just you and they together in that moment is enough, and those moments matter. In fact, they matter the most.

Thankfully, my hooman seemed to have finally grasped that too, and ever since that evening, we’ve been regularly enjoying some quiet times on the balcony together, with her making sure she makes time for it. Because she knows that’s the one thing that will make me the happiest.

Simplicity really is the key.

So if you’re wondering how to help someone in need, perhaps just be with them.

And if you’re just about to give up on your dream or wish or a desire, don’t. Ask for it again. You might just get it this time.