(no subject)

[melannen]

I've recently talked to several people who were having crises about being failures, or not having purpose in life, or being a useless blob who doesn't deserve anything. Might be a symptom of February.

But I have also recently talked a lot to my cat, and after one of those tough conversations with other people, I heard myself say to her, "you are soft and warm and sometimes make delightful noises, and that is all anybody needs in life."

So I am going to remind myself that when I'm feeling existentially bad, I should check:

1. Am I soft? If not, have a drink and eat something with lots of calories, to aid with becoming more soft.

2 Am I warm? If not, become warm.

3. Have I made any delightful noises myself lately? If not, make some noises until I make a delightful one.

Comments

[misbegotten]

<3

[melannen]

[vriddy]

😻 <3

[melannen]

[runpunkrun]

A solid plan.

[melannen]

She is a solid Shelly-cat.

[runpunkrun]

Yes that is a cat who knows what she's about.

[sophia_sol]

an excellent set of criteria; your cat is clearly successful, and your interpretation of the cross-applicability of her skills is admirable

[melannen]

Shelly is one of the best creatures I know at Being A Cat, although she wants you to know that the listed skills are basic enough most people can accomplish them, even if they are not as talented as she!

[anotherslashfan]

A very timely post, thank you ♥!

[melannen]

[anotherslashfan]

Aaaaaaaw!

[copperfyre]

I needed this today, thank you ❤️

[melannen]

Shelly would like you to know she is still soft and warm, and wishes you the same! (We are watching Star Trek so no noises right now. But later!)

[ashelterofpages]

It's been a hard go this year for multiple reasons and I just...I don't even know how to say anything about it.

But this post? Well, I needed it. I needed it badly.

Thank you so much.

[melannen]

Shelly wishes you soft things and delightful noises!

[azurelunatic]

Excellent!

I recommend things that relax the muscles, as an additional way of becoming soft.

[azurelunatic]

And she is such an excellent pastel calico. Pastelico.

[melannen]

Oh, good idea! Shelly also suggests grooming yourself, to become more soft. (Washcloths and brushes will do if you have the wrong kind of tongue.)

[cesy]

I love this

[melannen]

[primeideal]

Awww, kitty knows what's up. :D

[melannen]

She knows many things!

[ratcreature]

Good steps. And a very inspiring role model.

This idea that everyone needs some grand purpose or ambitions is truly one of the more corroding world views out there.

[melannen]

Yeah. Questions about the purpose of life and the drive of ambition and desire have been around as long as language at least, but there's a particular version that's particularly corrosive.

Luckily Shelly has a solution.

[schneefink]

Sounds like a good plan :)

[melannen]

I learned my plan from the best!

[jjhunter]

<3 <3 <3

This is the time of year I remind myself good smells, strong colors, and powerful tastes can also help offset the cold and dark.

[melannen]

Yes! I got new sheets last week with much brighter colors and they have been great (even if they don't match as well.)

[lilysea]

I recently got new sheets, and I like the bright colours but also that they are made out of soft stretchy knit cotton, like tshirt fabric

(photo is from the shop's website)

[snowynight]

A good idea, and your cat is lovely.

[melannen]

She wants you to know she agrees!

[snowynight]

Aww! Lovely!

[china_shop]

♥

[melannen]

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> I've recently talked to several people who were having crises about being failures, or not having purpose in life, or being a useless blob who doesn't deserve anything <<

This culture is bad at helping people discover and follow their life purpose. It is also bad at meeting human needs like food, shelter, and relationships.

Failure is a natural and necessary part of the learning process. If you're not making any mistakes, you're not learning, you're coasting.

Everyone deserves to have their basic needs met and to be free from avoidable miseries. This society is not good at teaching that either, so many people are unkind to themeselves as well as others.

>> But I have also recently talked a lot to my cat, and after one of those tough conversations with other people, I heard myself say to her, "you are soft and warm and sometimes make delightful noises, and that is all anybody needs in life." <<

A much more sensible approach. Cats are very inspiring.

[synecdochic]

This is a very good set of rules for life!

[hyperfocused]

Your kitty is clearly smart, and very beautiful. And no, I am not only saying this because she looks so much like my beloved Granola, who was also a dilute Calico.

[gool_duck]

Soft and lovely! Any time you have a chance