#797 go nuts

I have recently become familiar with the children's books in the Scaredy Squirrel series and see many applications to me (and other adult lives). Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of a different thing in each book, but the scenario is the same.  He accounts for all the reasons the status quo is a good thing, then he decides to make a plan to be brave.  As in life, something always happens that causes him to say "This was NOT part of the plan" so he has to lay down and play dead for a few hours, in hopes that the trauma would pass.  When he gets up, things are never as bad as they seemed and in the end he has a new experience that turns out for the better.

Whose world isn't like that?

I think Scaredy offers lessons for all of us.  It is very natural to become comfortable with how things are.  Even when we partake in prudent planning, somehow things never seem to go according to that plan, but in the end, they often work out for the best.  Maybe the lesson from Scaredy is not to waste time and energy "playing dead", but rather embracing the uncertainty that life is sure to throw our way.

Maybe Scaredy can offer you or your colleagues a lesson in bravery.  It could be a novel way to introduce the topic for discussion in a group who seems to be afraid to move forward, a way to reassure someone that the future is not to be feared, a mirror to reassess your own reaction to change -- or just an entertaining read for you or your children.  No matter your purpose, you can be assured that Scaredy's "This was NOT part of the plan" will become part of your lexicon, and hopefully your mantra to press on anyway.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt.  Also Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend, Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach, Scaredy Squirrel at Night, Scaredy Squirrel has a Birthday Party and Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping.

Thanks to Amy and Leah for the great tip.