No Worry Squirrel

A few weeks ago, I happened to look at the tree in my back yard. A squirrel was running from branch to branch. He (or she) would occasionally stop and sit ... nibble on leaves, bark or seeds. Then the squirrel would start to run again, leaping from one branch to another and following a trail that only a squirrel could know.

This was normal behavior for the squirrels who visited my yard. 

Yet on THIS particular day, Squirrel hung completely upside down, clinging to the tree with his (or her) back legs and paws – stretching his (or her) upper body out into the air. 

Completely unsupported ... paws reaching out ...

I had to wonder whether the critter was engaged in a squirrel version of gymnastics, trying to get the attention of a buddy, taking a moment to enjoy the breeze or simply airing out his (or her) armpits.

THEN I contemplated the ease by which a squirrel traveled through the trees ... leaped from limb to limb ... navigated trails on land and over rooftops.

And for a moment (being somewhat fanciful in my thinking), I asked myself ...

"Does the Squirrel ever worry?"

Now I will admit to being no stranger to "worry" – which is likely why I worried (just a little bit) about Squirrel falling off the tree and landing on his head. And I confess there were seasons in my life in which "worry" greeted me when I awoke ... stayed with me throughout my days ... consumed my thoughts as I went to sleep. 

Oh my. The hours and days that were squandered by "worry!" 

Looking back, I realize all of that "worrying" didn't accomplish much – other than to give me a few more wrinkles and sleepless nights. And despite my best efforts to hide my "worries" from my child, I know he absorbed some life lessons (about worrying) from dear old Mom.

I may have been an actress (during my younger years) and a public speaker (as an adult) – but I'm not THAT good of an actress. 

There were likely the times when he saw the "look of worry" on my face or heard the "tone of worry" in my voice – despite my best efforts to mask my fears and concerns. And there were likely the times when he couldn't figure out why I reacted to innocent questions with a terse response ... expressed frustration over problems that (from his childlike view) were "no big deal" ... sat at my desk (working) with a grim look on my face.

Thankfully, I finally decided to let go of "worry".  

And it actually has made a difference in how I approach the problems and challenges of my life. It has also made a difference in how I respond to the worries of others – particularly – kids, teens and young adults.

When he was very young, my child began to learn how to "worry".  Should he ever decide to become a parent, he'll demonstrate (for his child or children) how to respond to the problems and challenges of life. One of the the legacies I will have passed along (via my son) to the future generations of my particular branch of the family tree will be...

What to do about "worrying".