What I Learned from a Squirrel

One day as I was driving, I noticed a squirrel on the right side of the road. It was trying to make its way across the street. The squirrel scurried back and forth. It was scared and indecisive because it didn’t know what lied ahead. I was afraid it might get hit by a car. There was uncertainty. Who can’t relate to that? I found myself rooting for the squirrel, saying, “You can do it squirrel! Just keep going!”

The squirrel made it halfway across the street and then hesitated because it didn’t know if it was safe to keep going. I wish the squirrel could see what I could see…that the road ahead was clear. It had come so far, but because it was scared, it ran all the way back to where it started. Fear can be paralyzing.

I felt sad for the little guy and at the same time, I could totally relate to it! I understand being cautious and afraid in the face of the unknown because not knowing can be an uncomfortable and scary place.

My Share of Squirrel Moments

I’ve had my share of squirrel moments and I know what it’s like living in uncertainty. As I mentioned in a previous post, I got divorced, I was laid off and because I lost my job, I gave up my apartment and moved in with a roommate (before finally moving back to NY). A friend asked me, “How are you able to deal with everything so calmly?”

I’ve learned to accept uncertainty and go with the flow. I’ll admit it’s not always a cakewalk.

I used to worry ALL the time about EVERYTHING. It took me most of my life to finally realize that worrying about things I didn’t have control over did me no good. The only thing it added to my life was stress and gray hair. I may not be in control of what happens to me, but I have a choice in how I react and how it affects me.

Be Present in the Moment

So now, I do my best to be present in the moment. I do things that keep me grounded; things that serve as an outlet and a release. I exercise regularly. I practice yoga and I love to hike because it challenges me mentally and physically and it allows me to reflect yet at the same time keeps me from overthinking.

That doesn’t mean I don’t get sad or upset or anxious. In fact, I still visit those emotions, but I try not to stay there too long.  I remember to be grateful and surround myself with positive people.

To me, not knowing is an adventure. I have faith in God and trust that He has a plan for me. It can be exciting when there is the hope of something great and when the unknown is even brighter than what has been.

Rather than live in fear of the unknown, try to stay calm in the face of uncertainty and forge ahead.