All I need to know...

If you have to wait for somebody, wait for the person in a bookstore. Bookstores make waiting fun and enriching. It was on one of these waiting moments that I stumbled upon what has become my favorite book. I scanned the book and I was touched and moved in a funny way. The book’s slightly worn out cover read All I Need to Know I Learned from my Cat by Suzy Becker. I got it for half the price.

Everyday in this overwhelming and sometimes chaotic life we grope for meaning. We search for ways to make our lives meaningful and live them to the fullest. While some people turn to other people for answers, this brilliant and creative author turned to a cat. Not overly fond of cats myself, I nevertheless gave in to the idea of looking at life the way a cat looks at it. And the experience proved not only enlightening but fun as well.

So many books tells us lengthily about how to live life positively and productively but in very few words and with a lot of amusing illustrations this book tells us how to do just that. Its illustrations are so cleverly done that they make up for the short and precise words. A picture certainly does convey a thousand words and the ones in this book do that with a generous dose of humor. Light yet profound, this book made me see value in the obvious, most ordinary daily activities.

First things first, this book teaches about the basics and that is hygiene and health. While we may find it funny when we read "grooming requires a serious time commitment. Remember to wash behind your ears, in between your toes and under your arms," we couldn’t agree more. And to stress a point it says "while the public generally appreciates good grooming–they do not generally appreciate it in public." Now I pray that I find a decent ladies’ room wherever I go. For the gentlemen it says, "pee without getting any on your shoes." I understand that would be for those moments when the next rest room is just too far away. And who has not benefited from the advice "see a doctor once a year" of the easily said but hardly ever done "exercise daily." I especially like the line "eat when you are hungry." With all the crap from fashion magazines telling us to be waif-like and reed-thin, it is consoling to know that it’s perfectly OK to obey your instincts and eat.

It offers valuable insights into relationships with the line "be hard to leave" and teaches us how important compassion and forgiveness is when we ponder on "be easy to come home to." It does not tell us to completely deny our negative feelings for others rather it says, "get mad when you’re stepped on." But before you over-indulge your childish self, at adds "forget that your were stepped on." We also learn to appreciate the power of presence after reading, "show affection and contentment. Be a good listener. Be able to make someone feel better by just being there."

This book tells is that there is a whole wide world out there to discover and conquer. It rouses us to be adventurous when we read, "be curious, chase the butterflies, challenge yourself, investigate the shadows, get to know the people in high places." And for those times when we feel a little too cautious it tells us, "Don’t be afraid to take chances. Somehow, you always land on your feet. Take a moment to recover your dignity but don’t dwell too much on the past."

For those moments when we are not very likable it gives us comfort by saying "everyone is entitled to an occasional mood swing" (take note of the word occasional). When we’re through with those moments it tell us to be exciting, "be entertaining, be mysterious, make people wonder what you can do at night." Be yourself and love it even to the point of "flaunting your hair loss."

We all need time for ourselves and to help us nourish our souls, it says, "ignore TV" and "enjoy your company." How many times has TV deprived us of genuine and inspiring interaction with other people? And how many times have we failed to get into some meaningful introspection simply because we were so engrossed with watching TV? It’s true that there is so much to discover if we just take time to examine ourselves. Sometimes we have to be alone to be enlightened. Then we get to face our weaknesses and understand how they can be redeemed by their strengths. After all, we can only give what we have got.

Before it gets too profound, this book allows us to chill out and just be. "Feel no guilt," it boldly declares. "Jump right into the middle of things. Stare unabashedly Have no qualms about sharing a plate and eating leftovers." To make us relish the freedom we strongly crave for, it says, "make your own hours. Just because you’re home you don’t have to answer the phone." When in the middle of a dilemma, it lightens up with "there’s nothing wrong with changing your mind." And when we so badly need it, it prods us to "ask for attention (a side note: use negative-attention getting ONLY as a last resort)." After all, the reason why we don’t get all the things we long for is simply because we don’t ask for them.

It has given me great joy to share this book with others – my family, friends, and those who I feel could benefit from its funny but precious wisdom. It has never failed to bring about a smile, a knowing look, gracious acceptance of some painful truths, amused laughter or just plain realization. I never imagined how such an unpretentious book could teach me so much about life. The most valuable lesson that this book has taught me is that the simple truth remains…. "There is always time for a nap" and "Money is only paper."