Grace Notes: The Squirrel vs My Ego

I still must have a bit of a squirrel-fighting reputation around here because my neighbor sent me this pic.

Since I had just refilled the birdfeeder I was easily brought back to that time. Oh, it made me laugh, that cute, crafty face . . . but then I took another look at myself too. Here’s a little recap from my October, 2023, adventure, and today’s Aha moment.

My worst squirrel time had me in a dither. (Really, don’t you love that word! So descriptive, like a picture . . .  me racing about, trying to control something using more energy and righteous indignation than sense.) Anyway, my dithering had me finding and then picking up the pieces of different birdfeeders, trying out separate types of squirrel repellents, while muttering and stomping through some otherwise lovely early fall days. All because . . . and those two words stop me. Aha! All because of what? I’m feeling bested by a squirrel? A news headline scrolls before me: Squirrel bests woman in local birdfeeder contest. Ugh!

So, what’s the Aha? Hmmm . . . that an ego can become an out-of-control entity, which is neither a pretty nor healthy thing; that squirrels, both metaphorical and real, come in all types, shapes and sizes; and that my ego and I will be having some serious talks about self-importance and choosing battles wisely before any more dithering happens.

I’ll have new opportunities to meet other squirrels. And when I do? I’ll take a step back, remind my ego it has nothing to prove here, and take some deep breaths as I carefully assess each squirrel situation.

And, yes, new bags of birdseed are on the shopping list.

Grace be with you all . . . as you choose your own battles and listen for your Aha’s.

Jane

http://www.janenicoletauthor.com