Mochi Moments

     Mochi doesn’t get anxious about deadlines, presentations, or whether the barista judged my order (side note: I swear they looked at me weird when I asked for oat milk). His priorities are simple: food, naps, and the occasional laser pointer chase.

    Watching him makes me realize how much we overcomplicate things. If Mochi could talk, I think he’d say, “Stop stressing about things you can’t control. Focus on the present. And maybe eat a snack.”

    Cats, as it turns out, are excellent role models for relaxation. They don’t dwell on past mistakes, worry about the future, or stress over whether they look ridiculous chasing a feather toy. They just exist, in the moment, fully committed to whatever they’re doing—whether that’s sleeping in a sunbeam or knocking things off tables just to watch them fall.

    Tonight, I’m taking a page from his book. I’ll light a candle, curl up with Mochi, and remind myself that sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be. No worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list, no replaying awkward conversations in my head. Just me, my cat, and the simple joys of the present moment.

    And who knows? Maybe I’ll even treat myself to a snack. After all, Mochi would approve.

                                            The Art of Living Like a Cat

    If we’re being honest, most of us are the opposite of cats. We overanalyze, overthink, and overcommit. We have an endless cycle of notifications, emails, and mental to-do lists that never seem to shrink. But what if we leaned into our inner feline just a little more?

    Lesson 1: Nap Without Guilt Mochi naps for approximately 72% of the day. Okay, I might be exaggerating, but it’s a lot. And he never wakes up feeling guilty about “wasting time.” Rest is productive, too. Next time you feel burned out, take a nap—guilt-free. Recharge like a cat, and return to the world when you’re ready.

    Lesson 2: Stretch More, Stress Less Have you ever noticed how cats always stretch before they move? It’s like they instinctively know their bodies need a good stretch to stay nimble. Meanwhile, I sit hunched over a laptop for hours, wondering why my back feels like I’m 90 years old. Take a moment to stretch. Your body will thank you.

    Lesson 3: Be Selective with Your Energy Cats do not waste energy on things that don’t serve them. If they don’t feel like acknowledging you, they won’t. And if they do, congratulations—you’ve been deemed worthy. We could learn from this. Instead of pouring our energy into things (and people) that drain us, let’s be more intentional with how and where we spend our time.

    Lesson 4: Play More Mochi doesn’t need a reason to randomly dart across the room at full speed. Sometimes, life is just fun, and he leans into it. How often do we let ourselves be playful, spontaneous, and just enjoy a silly moment? Maybe we should channel more of that unbridled joy.

    Lesson 5: Take Up Space Have you ever tried to move a cat from a spot they’ve claimed? Good luck. They have an unshakable confidence in their right to be exactly where they are. It’s a lesson in self-assurance: Take up space. Own your presence. Be unapologetically yourself.

                                        Living the Mochi Way

    We might not have nine lives, but we can still adopt a more cat-like approach to the one we’ve got. So tonight, I challenge you: Take a deep breath. Let go of the stress you don’t need. Stretch. Snack. Maybe even chase a metaphorical laser pointer for fun. And, above all, just be.

    Mochi would be proud.