Thursday, November 30, 2017
Look Who Is Here
?My first guest blogger is here.
Two weeks ago, on my
Blog #41, I opened my blog page to anyone out there who wishes to publish a blog. I didn’t think a professional editor would take me up on the offer. As I saw the request from Kristen Hamilton, the founder and owner of Kristen Corrects, to post on my blog page, I was in awe. Wouldn’t you be?
I first met Kristen when she proofread my novel,
Pinnacle Lust, and felt that I hit the jackpot—so of course I immediately added her to my professional team…and the rest is history.
Having Kristen as a guest blogger on my page is something to shout about. I can’t beat the drum loud enough to convey my respect and admiration for her work, professionalism, and personality.
All that’s left for you is to enjoy her writing…on a rather light-hearted and relatable subject.
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3 Life Lessons from Cats
Nov. 30, 2017, By Kristen Hamilton
?My two passions in life are cats and books. I can’t decide which I like better—enjoying a good book on a wintery afternoon or cuddling up with one of my kitties. (Ideally, it would be both: reading a good book while a kitty is on my lap.)
I work from home as a book editor, which means I get the best of both worlds during each 40-hour workweek. Especially now during the winter months, when I’ve cranked up the heat in my office, I’m inundated with my three cats: Sophie (6), who is quiet and refined; Charlie (3), who is rambunctious and the center of attention; and Jack (2), who is scared of everything and loves forts. Here’s what I’ve learned from working with my three cats.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
Sophie will occasionally position herself in front of my computer screen, blocking my view of work and halting all productivity, indicating she wants something. Sometimes I sigh and nudge her out of the way, but other times I realize this is a good reminder that when you want something, you have to make it happen.
The next time I had to have a difficult conversation with a client, I looked into Sophie’s steely eyes, hardened myself, and made the call. Smart cat.
Sophie
2. Sometimes, drawing attention to yourself is key.
I am so passionate about being a small business owner, but I cringe at the thought of touting about my accomplishments. But then Charlie gallops into the room, pushing open the door so fast that it bounces off the opposite wall, and makes his presence known. (Usually this ends with me giving him milk or throwing a toy for him to chase—either way, it ends well for the cat.)
It’s moments like these I realize that sometimes, showing people what you’re made of is the best way to get the attention and recognition you deserve. And, just like Charlie, when I show off my accomplishments, good things are bound to happen.
Charlie
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3. Self-care is priority number one.If I pull out a blanket, I can count on Jack to be there. Within seconds, Jack will come scurrying from the woodwork to nestle himself between my legs and the blanket, peering out from his self-made fort. As the epitome of a “scaredy cat,” Jack hides anytime he hears a loud noise, and unlike Sophie (who will merely flick her tail in annoyance) or Charlie (who will go investigate), Jack will retreat to the safety of the fort.
And herein lies a great lesson: From Jack I’ve learned that sometimes, choosing to do what makes you feel safest and most comfortable is the best route. In my work, I have a hard time saying no to last-minute client requests, even though I know that adding to my already-full plate will cause me stress. The last time I had to prioritize my own time over work commitments, I peeked at Jack in the fort, thought about self-care, and made the right decision to respect my personal time.
If anyone can teach us about how to be a better human in work and life, look at a cat. They’ve got their stuff together.
Jack
If you’re like me, you must have enjoyed reading about Kristen and her cats.
I’ve always wondered if any of Kristen’s editing is done by her cats.
Meow,
Michelle