Be More Otter-Like
I woke up this morning and saw the bobbing heads of three young otters a few feet off the lake’s shore, so I ran into the living room, grabbed my binoculars, and settled down to watch the show.
The otters dipped and dived and feasted on the many small fish and snails in the shallow water. I knew they were eating snails this morning because I could hear them chewing when they came to the surface.
They chew with their mouths open. Crunch, crunch, dive, crunch, crunch, dive.
When the otters took a break, they climbed up on a floating jet ski dock and played a rollicking game of tag, chasing each other across the float, back into the water, up the other side, over the jet ski, and down into the water.
One otter spent about fifteen minutes on the boat dock. He walked around, stood up, and peered into a few boats to see what was there. When satisfied, he flipped over and gave himself a good back scratch on the sun-warmed boards. Then, he stretched out on his belly to soak up a few rays and slid back into the water for breakfast, part two.
What I love about otters is that they always look like they are having fun regardless of what they are doing. They seem to do everything with enthusiasm and joy and throw their full selves into the task at hand.
I want to be more otter-like.
I want to invite more joy into what I do every day, to find the fun in ordinary tasks like answering emails, making phone calls, and prepping for the days ahead.
That’s my goal for the week—to be more otter-like.
I just wish I had clear eyelids like they do, so I could see underwater.
How do you find or create joy in the dailiness of your life?
Tell us about it.
Please note: All grammatical and typographical errors have been put in this article for
your enjoyment in finding them.
I’m amazed every morning at the beauty of our world while walking on my way to swim. The patterns that the sun makes shining through the trees, the bird songs and the way the grass holds the dew from the night before. I’m thankful to God that I’m alive and able to walk and swim! And, I’m thankful that he encourages me to write! I’m just praying he entices me to finish writing my book!!!!
I create joy in the dailyness (haha I found it) of life two ways: gardening and singing. Watching things I planted grow delights me while worshipping God expands my joy. Long 35 minute walks produce endorphins that physically enhance my mood.
Experience has taught me that there is always a way to find a smile, even if we have to dig for it a bit. The darkest clouds are merely hiding the sun behind them for a while. Weeping skies are food for the flowers; they can’t silence the birds whose song is music when the radio is dead.
That’s a great approach to life, Monique. There truly is always something to smile about even if you have to use a backhoe to find it.
Tickling the Crabs The ocean tides wash in, erasing what has gone before, covering the small holes where the sand crabs live. There is a bubbling as the tide ebbs and the crabs rush to restore their delicate homes. My aunt chuckles and pokes a short twig into the holes as the crabs ascend to meet the next wave. Who knows if they are even aware of her intent. She hopes to bring them joy, as though tickling them can bring comfort. She watches intently as her mind recedes with the tide, seeking to heal something within. This is a short… Read more »
Hi, Robin. What a great piece. Your aunt sounds like a hoot. Humor can get us through a lot of tough times, and yours a great gift you give to yourself and those you love. Thanks for your kind words.
My first thought when you said the otters were eating snails was, are they the giant African snails? I read an article this morning that Giant African land snails have caused neighborhoods in South Florida to enter quarantine. It is illegal to move a giant African land snail or any plants in or out of the area without the agriculture department’s say-so. These creatures can eat through stucco, plastic recyling bins and even signs. If these otters are eating snails, then why not relocate them to South Florida where they can feast on these predators? That is as long as… Read more »
Oh my! Just what Florida needs. The lovebugs and anacondos are bad enough. I saw one of those snails before, and it was huge. The otters wouldn’t have to work half as much if they ate those guys.
Amongst the weasel family, Giant African Land Snails are like escargot; a forbidden pleasure that’s not necessarily kosher.
You’re too funny, Steven. Otters are part of the weasel family, so they’d probably love those big snails. Otters are tough. They can attack and kill a five-foot alligator.
If escargot is a forbidden pleasure, then I will not partake of that pleasure anymore.