Cats, as a rule, prefer shiny objects and toys. Usually, they will play for several minutes with a laser toy and just as suddenly lose interest or move on to a more life-enhancing activity such as watching birds, napping, or eating. It is not a lack of commitment. They seem to understand that the artificial or fake toy they are engaged with is just that – a toy
For instance, Grace, the Tabby cat, likes to play with her laser toy but prefers a brightly colored knit fish on a stick. She will allow me to play with her with the device but only for a short time.
Humans too, are drawn to shiny objects as well as flashy people. Sometimes we guess or are made aware of the negative impact of our shallow decisions.
Sometimes life accidents will lead us to see our destructive connections to cheap but useless objects or people with no soul or purpose. Far too often, we are taken in. We may even know it’s a gimmick or a toy, or the person is a con, but we remain entertained or are afraid of change, so we hang on.
It is painful work to rid ourselves of things and people who do not add value and drain our resources. Still, we must stop playing with shiny objects to grow and to give.