Why trying to make others change is a waste of time and what you can do instead

A concept I’ve been working on this year is ‘to meet you where you’re at’.

And in the spirit of self-compassion, it’s also to meet myself where I’m at.

I got to put this into practice with my cat Rana this morning.

First thing every morning I let my cats outside.

They like to sniff the air, have a stretch, go to the loo and all those sorts of waking up type of things.

Sometimes I don’t see the cats for hours after that, but often they’ll wander back to say hi.

Rana loves to come and check on me from time to time during the day.

He’s so cute and delicious I always want to scoop him up in my arms and give him a huge squeeze.

Usually he indulges me for a bit before squirming and jumping out of my arms.

And then he rolls on the ground at my feet.

When I pat him as he rolls around he purrs and is really happy.

It’s obvious he likes this better than being picked up and we connect better that way.

This morning when Rana visited, I decided not to force myself on him and just patted him where he was on the ground.

He was purring and very affectionate.

We got to share a few beautiful minutes of being in the moment with each other (romantic, huh?!) #onlycatloverswouldunderstand.

It was a great reminder how when you’re accepting and meet others where they’re at it’s a win-win for all.

It’s only through empathy and releasing expectations and attachment to the outcome that there’s true peace and alignment with yourself and others..

I wish it was as easy to follow through with humans that way as it is with cats;-)

Which moments in your own life do you find it easy to let go of expectations?

Which moments do you find hard?

Let me know in the comments.