Book Review: You Do You by Sarah Knight

You Do You: How to Be Who You Are and Use What You've Got to Get What You Want by Sarah Knight

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the second book I’ve read by Sarah Knight and I’m wishing a little that I’d read them “in order,” as this book kept referencing her first two books (one of which I now have and will be reading shortly). Again, this wasn’t earth shattering, but I've rarely gotten through self-help books and I’ve made it through two of hers -- easily and somewhat quickly. I find it kind of sad that someone had to write a book giving people permission to live their authentic lives and that I’m one of the ones reading it. Sometimes, though, maybe we just need a reminder.

This book basically gives you permission to just be you, but keeps the golden rule in mind -- don’t hurt others in the process of being you. The basic premise of the book is to break down some of the “rules” of society, These include: Don’t be Selfish; Do your Best, Don’t be Difficult, Be a Team Player, Don’t Quit Your Day Job. There is also a Should and Shouldn’t section, one of which is Put Family First.

Apparently, she took a lot of flack on the selfish part in a previous book, but I agree with her. If you never take time for yourself, then you basically make yourself a martyr. At some point, you have to be a little selfish.. I think today’s term is self-care. This section spoke to me as I have neglected self-care and am overly stressed as a result. The part about family also spoke to me. It has it’s down side as well, but ultimately we have to live our lives. That may take us from family, but it doesn’t mean total disconnection.

I’m also a person who once quit my day job. There were a lot of reasons for it and I had a plan, so obviously I agree with her take on that as well. It was scary, but ultimately it was one of the best things I have ever done. I’ve never regretted it.

We are all raised with guidelines and they may vary from family to family, region to region, culture to culture. While they have good intentions, sometimes they lead us to lead lives that may hurt us. By ignoring some of these guidelines, we live better lives, which not only benefits us, but also those around us.

I liked that she emphasizes that being you should not hurt others. And, the Epilogue reminded us that we all judge others - so not only should we be ourselves, but we should let others be themselves as well.

This is not a life changing book, but it’s a good reminder that it’s okay to be who you are and that sometimes society’s guidelines need to be tossed. As long as the tossing doesn’t harm others.

Hello 2020! Welcome Kitty Cat II!

I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays.  Mine were different as I spent them in my own home for the first time.  I wasn't sure how I would do, but thanks to friends and a new furbaby, Kitty Cat II, I did just fine.

Kitty Cat II

After all of my travels came to an end, I paid a visit to the Humane Society here in town.  It was actually my second visit - the first I didn't connect with any cats, which was kind of sad.  The second visit was to meet a particular cat, but she wasn't the one, so I just visited with the cats.  A friend was with me and commented that "Bubbles" (name has since changed) didn't like her. Naturally, I went to meet her.  She let me pet her, swished her tail, and even meowed at me.  She didn't get up, though.  I looked at the door to her condo -- she'd been there six weeks.  I looked at her and she looked at me and I knew.  She was the one.  It wasn't that she didn't like my friend, she was just tired. She was an owner surrender, due to health.  I couldn't take her home that night as I needed to get the house ready.  I was worried, maybe someone else would take her before I could get back the next day.  The employee working at the time said not to worry, no one had shown any interest in her.  It broke my heart. I told her (the cat) that I'd be back the next day to get her.  I came home and got everything ready, including making a nest for her with a soft rug under the bed -- I knew she'd be scared and would need a safe space.

I went back the next day. It was raining and miserable and I had a migraine in the making, but I told her I go get her and I did.  Adopting from the Humane Society is a joy - they send you home with a bag of food, a little scratcher, plus she was microchipped and in good health (though I did get her checked out by my vet).  Getting her out of the condo was stressful and she cried all the way home.  She then promptly hid in any number of places, eventually ending up under the bed in the nest I had made.  She did sleep with me for part of the first night.  Alas, we were both stressed.  I worried that maybe it was too soon.  Maybe I needed to get the house more in order.  After being in a home, then a shelter, then going home with a strange person, I'm sure she was just plain freaked out. But, then I looked at her and realized it was better than the condo at the shelter, so I practiced patience. I finally enticed her out of the bedroom after a week with a wand toy.

We celebrated out two month anniversary a week ago and she's been an absolute joy.  I can't figure out why no one showed interest in her as she is the sweetest kitty.  She is is almost three, still a baby, really.  Athletic. And, she's a brick -- almost 14 pounds, but no squish here.  Just a big cat.  She loves to play fetch, look out the window, get on the back of my chair, or the back of the couch.  She sleeps with me every night.  I still miss Kitty Cat I, but Kitty Cat II has brought life back to the house and she makes me laugh.

I know I'm not the first person to suffer pet loss.  I can say that welcoming a new pet into the family is definitely a win for everyone.  When it's your time to welcome a new cat after loss, please consider an older cat - you won't regret it.