Monday, March 31, 2008

Lessons From Squirrels

Origianally posted on Facebook Feb. 14, 2007

"When problems overwhelm us, and sadness smothers us, where do we find the will and the courage to continue? Well the answer may come in the caring voice of a friend, a chance encounter with a book, or from a personal faith. For Janet, help came from her faith, but it also came from a squirrel.
"Shortly after her divorce, Janet lost her father, then she lost her job, she had mounting money problems; but Janet not only survived, she worked her way out of despondency and now she says life is good again.
"How could this happen? She told me that late one autumn day, when she was at her lowest, she watched a squirrel storing up nuts for the winter, one at a time he would take them to the nest and she thought if that squirrel can take care of himself with the harsh winter coming on so can I. Once I broke my problems into small pieces I was able to carry them, just like those acorns, one at a time."


This little story came from this White Stripes song that I heard not too long ago, and it got me thinking. It does have a point.
First though, lets take a look at squirrels,
Squirrels love nuts, especially acorns. That is one of the rare stereotypes you can use freely and no one will disagree with you; I bet the squirrels would even agree with you and they wouldn't be offended or ashamed. They would welcome your inquiries about what kind nuts they like the best, where they can find the best nuts, and what time of the year the nuts taste the best. Just don't ask it where it hides it's nuts. Chances are that if a squirrel isn't doing something to do with nuts, he is enjoying his second favorite pasttime, running out in front of cars.
Problems seem to pile up on us in this society. I have to deal with my studies, while at the same time, working to have money to pay bills and buy the nessesities, and planning for my future as a coporate sellout (hopefully not); not to mention the maze that makes up a social and love life. Without boring you with the details, when I feel overwhelmed by all these factors (plus more I may have left out) it does help to not look at all these factors in the big picture, that can get very heavy.
Breaking all of them apart and focussing on the little pieces one at a time makes things a whole lot more managable. I know that sounds like common sense, but I have been consciously trying it out recently and it actually makes a difference. I am not stressing out about school as much anymore, plus my grades have gotten a little better. I am back to my easy going self and it feels good. So try it out.
Well my time is up, I hope you got at least something out of this.
Have a good Valentine's Day. Give you're lover something special, Greeting cards and Flowers are available at Wal-Mart. That should be a clue to not buy them for your lover. Make him/her something personal. A meal, or a hand drawn card, or any of that other crap you see in movies.
Peace out,
Seth
PS - That is what the alphabit would look like if we took out R and Q.

No comments: