Day 2194 Small Efforts

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Day by day, each small action brings us one step closer to earning the trust of our new cat. She’s now relaxed enough to rest with us in the same room, she doesn’t run when we come downstairs, and she’s even starting to enjoy being pet. She loves her new toys, and has just about every toy imaginable. She dines on the best packs of cat food and has the undivided attention of both Tim and me whenever we’re home.

We’re probably creating a little monster, spoiling her the way we do, but we’re still so impressed by her bravery and every stride she makes to come out of her shell. She’ll come over when called, accept a few gentle pets on the head, and roll around right in front of us. Still, we let her interact on her terms, never trying to pick her up or push her to engage more than she’s ready for.

I think Tim is still in shock that it’s happening at all. He’s admitted he didn’t think she would ever truly accept us. He thought the most we could hope for was that she’d share a room with us, but never come close. I’m sure he’s never been so happy to be wrong.

It just goes to show that every tiny gesture matters. Consistent, small, daily actions accumulate over time and turn into meaningful results. We can apply this same logic to so much more than helping a rescue cat learn to trust.

Which brings me to my next realization....it’s time to start working out again. My body aches from all the shoveling, and I need to get back to a daily routine, applying the same patience and discipline I’ve practiced with our cat.  After all, I want to still be out there shoveling thirty years from now. Soon enough I’ll be back to walking outside each day,  that always helps,  but it’s what we do consistently, day in and day out, that shapes our direction...for better or worse! 

Small steps. Steady effort. A little faith, the recipe for building trust and just about everything else!!  

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ~ Robert Collier