As Curt Steinhorst arrived at a cabin in Albany, Texas for a solo retreat, he had no idea that a tiny kitten would end up teaching him one of the most important lessons of his life. Despite not being a fan of cats, the furry little creature quickly made its presence known by causing chaos in Curt’s carefully planned solitude.
The kitten’s persistent meowing and playful antics disrupted Curt’s attempts to focus on his goals for the retreat. Climbing up his leg, sitting on his laptop keyboard, and even chewing on the pages of the book he was reading, the kitten seemed determined to derail Curt’s plans. Frustrated and annoyed, Curt initially tried to ignore the kitten, viewing it as an obstacle to his much-needed rest and reflection.
However, a moment of clarity came when Curt heard a voice, urging him to simply enjoy the presence of the cat. This moment of realization was a turning point for Curt, as he recognized the irony of trying to control every aspect of his life, even during a time meant for relaxation and introspection. The kitten became a mirror, reflecting back to Curt the need to embrace the unexpected and see it as a gift rather than a hindrance.
As an Enneagram Type 3, a classic achiever, Curt’s default mode of optimizing every interaction and task was challenged by the kitten’s presence. Through playing with the kitten, feeding him, and allowing him to nap in his lap, Curt began to let go of his need for control and perfection. In doing so, he found his mind clearing, his stress easing, and his thoughts becoming clearer.
The lesson learned from the kitten was a profound one – by embracing the unexpected and seeing it as a gift, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, joys, and a sense of peace. Curt realized that his relentless pursuit of achievement was causing him more stress and exhaustion than he realized, and that sometimes, letting go of control can lead to greater clarity and fulfillment.
In adopting the kitten, whom they named Albany (nicknamed Ollie), Curt and his family found a new source of joy and companionship. Ollie now spends his days on Curt’s desk while he works, or curled up on his lap for naps. The unexpected gift of the kitten continues to remind Curt of the valuable lesson he learned during that retreat in Albany – to enjoy the present moment and embrace the unexpected with an open heart.
The story of Curt and the kitten serves as a powerful reminder for all leaders struggling with exhaustion and stress. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from the most unexpected sources, and by letting go of control and embracing the unexpected, we may find a new sense of peace and fulfillment in our lives. Enjoy the damn cat – and all the unexpected gifts life has to offer.
