Here's my read on the cat photo.
Cats are territorial and feel most threatened when excreting and eating. The cat in the bed is intruding on a private moment by openly viewing it. It knows it is. So it is in a power position of low grade passive-aggressive behavior. The cat is a voyeur.
The other cat is appearing vulnerable and unguarded, and unaware of the stare of the first cat.
This photo is about cat dominance and submission, at both a conscious and unconscious level.
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I saw an article about making a "lap" for your cat. A pair of pants covering a cushion and then shoes tucked in...think; 1/2 scarecrow. Supposed to comfort.
My kitty Cleo cried at night from loneliness so I got her a companion. She doesn't cry anymore. She is too busy sitting and sniffing at the door separating them.
I just tried Felliway and it is a soothing aromatic synthesized hormone that calms cats. It's a plug in, like a Glade air freshener.
Sorry to have so much pet stuff here...I could not find the pet thread on the forums ...
I am needing some support. Bipolar Depression is rough lately as is asthma. Imbalances all. At least my work week is almost done. Have some time to rest and regroup.
New doc has put me on two new asthma meds that are non steroids. He told me "You are not crazy. This is not in your head." I had been dismissing it as a byproduct of stress.
I am noticing that I have developed a habit of sadness. I am a soloist(Voice. guitar) and my tendency has always been to sing the sad songs of disappointment, rather then enjoying singing happier songs with more uplifting messages.
My mood disorders and accompanying misdiagnoses, and wrong medications, have steered me into some very dark places. It can be tricking climbing back up and out once my moods begin to spiral out. I have been called a downer many times by others, even those who are closest to me. When this happens, as it seems to do, I feel blindsided and profoundly hurt. No one truly seems to get it. Maybe a close friend or two...
I am working up to watching George Floyd's memorial. I really need to surround myself with positive stories now. Also practice much more moderation in my daily practices. I feel out of balance, needing a chakra realignment, needing peace.
My kitty just came over to cuddle and comfort. We are healing each other.
Sending you comfort and healing my friend. I am a hugger. Wrapping my arms around you from Virginia ❤️ . Hope your weekend is restful.
Lani
@mililani @ghandigirl I’m a hugger too and I do believe that in this time of covid restrictions we’ve all been a lot lighter in the hug department. Along with everything else that’s happening it’s all so heavy and, for me at least, makes me very quiet. I’m never quiet. So, come on in, let’s hug it out, even if virtually. In my minds eye I’m hugging you all. Actually I envision the world being wrapped by a huge hug. Then I hear that Coca Cola song in my head. “I’d like to buy the world a coke”. I’m 62 so those of you my age will know. Love, peace and hugs ❤️☮️?
@febbby23, @mililani @ghandigirl
OMG I was just hearing that song in my head when I just read these posts. "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony, ..." Coke used that song and it was brilliant marketing for them at the time. The actual song lyrics are beautiful and I'm sending light to you all:
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves
In perfect harmony
I'd like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace through out the land
(That's the song I hear)
In perfect harmony
In perfect harmony
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves
In perfect harmony
I'd like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace through out the land
(That's the song I hear)
In perfect harmony
In perfect harmony
In perfect harmony, that's the song I hear
@Ghandigirl. Big hug from me and my two cats. Cats are wonderful creatures and will help lift your spirit. I'll put on some Woodstock to get the vibes going and send them your way;-)
Whether it is upbeat disco, a hippie sing along or a funny movie, don't let the world drag you down. So much more out there to enjoy. Be strong, you can beat this (and I am saying this as a fellow Bipolar).
@ghandigirl, make that a second big hug coming your way from VA. ?
This is such a hard time we’re all going through right now. The ongoing health challenges you face on top of our collective pain must make it feel overwhelming at times. I’m sorry that you have encountered such insensitive people who have called you a downer. Some people just don’t get it, or they don’t want to. I’m glad that you do have one or two friends who offer support without judgment.
You really are a beacon of light to this community, even when you are in a sad, frightened or dark place. I think it’s because you allow us to see the real you. Many times your vulnerability has given me the courage to step outside of my ego self and into the light.
I am sending comforting and supportive light to you, dear @ghandigirl.
Don't read too much into the photo, I literally clicked on the wrong one and couldn't figure out how to swap it out. Yes, the pooping cat - he's our neighbor cat, who is 100% outdoor. Tess is not threatened by him, she does watch him when he goes by our windows, but she doesn't talk to him. She's always been pretty secure... Like I said, she's an Alpha.
As for a new companion, we have decided to wait til Tess is gone. This is not due to her personality so much as for a) finances (we spent over $10k on vet bills last year), and b) both she and our cat who passed in February seem to have come to us with some kind of unidentifiable, congenital, viral infection. We believe it may have triggered his cancer, and we believe it is playing a role in her autoimmune disease. So when Tess goes (probably within the next 2 years), I will be tossing out everything either cat ever touched and starting from scratch with a new kitten. (And that new kitten will be getting health insurance.)
I do agree she is more like "Why are you sleeping? There's fun stuff to do!", but what concerns me is the yowling (as opposed to just meowing). She doesn't have any of the other symptoms of feline cognitive decline (so far anyway).
I have decided to try Melatonin at low dose, already ordered some from Chewy, we'll see if that helps.
Dearest GhandiGirl - I am so sorry for your struggles, glad you have a healing kitty and the gift of music to soothe your soul. Hugs remain out of the question, I wonder if you can at least step outside into the sunshine for a bit?
And don't beat yourself up for NOT wanting to watch anything that might bring you down. I haven't, and I look at it as a form of self-protection. We here all know you are aware of what's going on, don't feel like you have to put yourself through watching these "police snuff films" or the memorials that occur as a result.
On the Great Unraveling thread, I posted a link to 35 positive pics from the recent demonstrations. I found that to be quite uplifting.
Like migraines, bipolar is a disease of the brain - an issue of chemical imbalance. No need to apologize for that any more than if you were born with an extra toe!
If I may ask - re: asthma meds - I am allergic to steroid inhalers, and I had been getting my non-steroidal one imported from Canada (because it's no longer allowed in US due to tiny amount of CFC propellant). I ran through most of my supply this winter being so sick, and with the pandemic I can't get any more. May I ask which ones your doctor put you on?
Sending you big hugs and much love.
For the thousandth time, wish I could post links for music or images ... so I continue to be challenged, ?
Here's one of my fav songz... it was originally done by Eric Burdon, and since has been redone by alot of great artists like Elvis Costello ....
This version by Nina Simone : "Oh Lord, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" ....
The best version!