Empowerment

I have learned through the years that one of the most effective ways of dealing with a difficult situation is to be busy or distracted. Too much time to “think” can be very dangerous. The greatest gift we can give to ourselves is a project or activity that keeps us busy and is extremely pleasurable at the same time.

Several months ago,  a box of young kittens was left on the side of the road near my summer day camp, Adventure Valley. Since there are no coincidences in life, I believe it was meant to be that someone just happened to walk by and heard the kittens crying in the box. Next thing I knew, I was at the Vet with three young, healthy and adorable kittens.

I saw this as a gift from the Universe – a wonderful thing to be busy with and an opportunity to make a difference. It is also remarkable how animals have such a natural ability to show gratitude and appreciation.

My Vet told me that there is a desperate need for foster homes for young kittens, and that because of the shortage of foster homes, healthy kittens are being euthanized every day.

We immediately transformed my daughter’s bedroom and adjacent washroom into a kitten nursery – litter box, food and water bowls, a cozy pet bed and plenty of toys.

The kittens required a lot of time and attention, but they were an absolute joy. Within a few weeks they were chubby and old enough to be adopted.

We found wonderful homes for them and have heard from the families that they are precious and cherished pets.

We have since then become an official kitten rescue home and received a new litter of 4 very young kittens who were left in a box outside of Petsmart. We bottle fed and litter trained these tiny kittens, and have watched them grow and develop into absolutely adorable and affectionate little pets. They love playing together and zooming around chasing each other. They are in great health, fully litter box trained, playful, cuddly, entertaining and very social. They love lots of attention!

It is a delight to be busy looking after these kittens and I look forward to finding wonderful homes for them.

When you first look at a litter of tiny kittens, the work and time needed for their care can seem overwhelming and terrifying. That’s where my sense of determination and the desire to take on a challenge jumps in! That sense of empowerment – the idea of helping, doing something worthwhile, achieving and succeeding – fuels me to JUST DO IT!

Dream. Visualize. Imagine. Believe. Be persistent. Never give up. I will persevere! I am worth it! I can do it!

Nothing builds self-esteem, self-confidence and the feeling of empowerment like a meaningful challenge followed by accomplishment.  At the core of the concept of empowerment, is the idea of ability to solve a problem, have a purpose, do something important. Realizing that you have the desire and ability to care for tiny, dependent little kittens, and that because of your tender love and care, they can be healthy, content and playful, is incredibly empowering.

I strongly believe that there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than doing something meaningful and important.

Ironically, the reality is that you will quickly discover that it’s not such a huge undertaking after all.

When you rescue kittens, you’re doing something important. You are giving these animals a second chance. You’re keeping them alive. They will cry for you – they need you and they will depend on you – and they will love and appreciate you with unconditional gratitude and love.