Friday, February 14, 2014

Tortoise or Hare?

I used to love the fable of the tortoise and the hare when I was a child.   The idea of that little tortoise just plodding along at a measured pace.  And that boastful hare just darting around and using up all of its energy resources and ending up behind.

Over the years my husband and I used to joke that we were definitely tortoise people.   We loved to pull into our shell and cozy up at home in times of stress.  We would chuckle at all the ‘hares’ running around using their financial and energy resources for today’s moments with no regard for the challenges of tomorrow. 

And now as a widow I am definitely more of a tortoise.  I pulled myself into that shell and allowed myself to grieve.  Allowed myself to begin to heal.   I came out upon occasion and when the pain levels grew to be too much I would ‘shell up’ again. 


Recently I feel myself poking out of my shell and looking around with curiosity.  What have I been missing?  Lately it’s just been a view of lots of snow.  Brrrr!   But spring is coming.   And I am rested up.   You’ll see me out and about at a reasonable measured pace.   No need to get ahead of myself.   I’ll let those hares dart about me.   If I keep plodding along I’ll get to that finish line just fine. 

1 comment:

Jennifer said...

I always loved that story, too. The hare was so annoying with his bragging and his boasting. (eye roll) I love how the tortoise outwitted him with his calm perseverance!

It is totally okay to shell up when you need to and sprint when the urge strikes. It's all good.