When Adorable Toe Beans Become Murder Mittens

How My Kitten Helped Me Rewire My Mornings (And My Mindset)

Hi HI Hi Hello

As you may know, I recently got a new kitten. Her name is Nova, and she’s got the energy of a toddler after a bag of M&M’s covered in pixie stick and topped off with cat nip! She’s feisty, hilarious, wildly curious and she has adorable toe beans that can instantly turn into sinister murder mittens.

Nova has already taught me so much, and one lesson hit me hard (literally and figuratively): Sometimes, a simple shift changes everything.

Let me explain.

Nova loves when I wake up. And by loves, I mean she immediately launches into full-on play mode. That includes attacking my hand and arm like a jungle predator with his first kill. Which, let’s be honest, is not my idea of a relaxing start to the day.

It hurts. Like, wake-up-in-fight-or-flight-mode hurt. My blood pressure spikes, I become cranky before I even get out of bed, and I started dreading the mornings.

But I also love this little fur ball. She’s part of my family now. So… what to do?

I got creative. Enter: animal handling gloves. Yep. Big, hot, awkward gloves that make me look like I’m about to wrestle an alligator. But guess what?

Game. Changer.

Now when I wake up, I slip on my glove (which I keep right next to the bed), and let her go full wildcat on my arm. She’s having the time of her life. And me? I’m laughing, smiling, and actually enjoying our little morning ritual. No pain. No stress. Just play and connection. Being totally in the moment with her.

So what’s the lesson here?

Sometimes, life throws stuff at us that hurts. Things that make us flinch, shut down, or wake up dreading the day. But we don’t always have to fix the whole situation. Sometimes we just need a small shift: a glove, a boundary, a perspective tweak, to totally transform the experience.

Now, instead of starting my day in chaos, I start it with joy. All because I gave myself permission to find a weird solution.

So if there’s something in your life that keeps poking at you, stressing you out, or throwing you off kilter, take a step back. You don’t have to overhaul your entire world. Maybe you just need your own version of a glove. Something simple, unexpected, and maybe even a little silly… but something that works for you.

You are allowed to protect your peace in ways that make sense for your soul. Even if it looks unconventional to everyone else.

Got a weird but effective life hack or self-love tip? I’d love to hear it, leave a comment. Let’s share what’s working!

Remember, You Are Worthy and You Are Loved!

Cheryl