This one’s about me, an epiphany I had while walking in Central Park.
An epiphany is a moment of sudden revelation, a divine announcement stopping you dead in your tracks. A smack to the forehead, a, could’a had a V8, how did I miss that, as if the sky opened and God popped out and waved.
I worry a lot, common terrain for someone who exists pretty much alone. It seems to have become a hobby, like collecting stamps or old quilts.
But on this crisp day, as I strolled east to west in the predawn light, counting those concerns like sheep, I found myself escorted by 3 squirrels as if they were tour guides working for the Parks Department.
Like most native New Yorkers, they aren’t afraid of their brethren, regardless of one’s packaging. They sidled up as if to say, nice morning, right? Ya don’t happen to have a nut on ya, now do ya?
I watched them play tag, stopping short, tumbling like rodeo clowns.
The startling insight that shined like a search light was their lack of concern over anything but where they found themselves, which was tooling alongside me.
They weren’t wasting time worrying, gee, do ya think we’ll have enough nuts for the week? Oh God, what if it pours and there are no tourists to feed us? Do ya think we should get facelifts?
They knew they had enough for right now, staying in the moment, one day at a time like members of a 12 Step group.
Stay where your feet are, came to mind, and enjoy the day, since it’s really all you have.
I looked over at The Chrysler Building all lit up in the distance standing since 1930, reminding me there are some things you can actually still count on, like your feet, and the squirrels in Central Park who after making you laugh at yourself, will happily see you home…. 
even if you’re the only nut to be had.
Susannah
Never discuss philosophy with a squirrel! All that bushy-tailed insouciance is a subtle ploy. They’re surreptitiously plotting world domination.
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Love the word insouciance. Always makes me think of spring and girls in pretty dresses
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Insouciance makes me think of pretty girls without dresses. 😉
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That made me laugh.
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Susannah, I had insomnia throughout my teens, twenties, and thirties; all because I lay in bed counting my worries and past transgressions. I finally kicked the habit in my forties. I still tend to lapse now and then, but being a chronic worry-wart is no longer one of my worries.
I love your philosophy of enjoying the moment where your feet are planted. Something we need to remember to do more often!
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Bloom where you’re planted. A phrase I’ve come to appreciate.
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I think squirrels are a great example of what we can and should be as individuals. They’re self sufficient, they climb out of necessity rather than status and they possess the requisite whimsy to carry them through a world full of constant challenge.
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Whimsy, another great word.
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I dig whimsy. We need more of the stuff in this world. If there was a patent, I’d lock it up before the Kardashians got their mitts on it.
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Or buy it at auction…:)
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Hey! I love auctions! 🙂
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It’s that SOLD part. 🙂
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You caught onto that huh? You’re clever and cheeky, a potent combination.
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LOVE THE TERM CHEEK. 🙂
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Lover of great words, you is.
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There’s one warming up in the on deck circle. Stay tuned. 😎
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Wooohooo!
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I just reread this and feel you may have been one in another life. 🙂
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You might be onto something. No WONDER I loved playing in traffic as a kid.
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Plus you’re a nut. Takes one to know one. 🙂
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If you were a nut, what kind of nut would you be? I’d be an almond. And I’d have a brother, and we would start up a rock and roll band . . .
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I don’t think I’d be a walnut considering what’s going on in the Oval, but maybe a Brazil Nut since Hicks always accused me of being Brazilian, not Italian. Go figure
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I gotta say, SB. I do so hope you write about him more. Every time I watch his stuff, I think about the two of you riffing on and on.
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I’ve written a lot actually. I write on his birthday, December 16, and in February when he passed. There’s a good 8 pieces floating around in my archives, the Dead Sea Scrolls of WordPress.
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Good to know, Ms B. Much obliged . . .
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I don’t expect you to read them, but I always remember him, I can’t help it. He’s still here just at a different address.
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You have a way with words.
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So do you.
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Quidding the pro out of quo . . .
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This must be one of your most light-hearted posts. Loved the squirrels with a New York accent!
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You disappear I’ve noticed when my rating goes from PG to R. 🙂
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You’ve noticed more than I have. I avoid commenting on anything political, because I hate the current toxic atmosphere.
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I’m not too political to be perfectly honest, but our present state has even gotten to me.
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I can’t believe that people say such rude things to each other. Our country has lost civilized manners.
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I so agree. We’re all Americans but it doesn’t feel like that anymore. Such an insult to the Founders.
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Disney Epiphany and a happy walk in the park…how good this is. Love those cute little critters; they have so much fun. Michael, my wonderful husband, has Parkinson’s which is no way a walk in the park after it takes big bites of one. I had my epiphany several month ago when he was admitted into Memory Care and I had reached a breaking point. Tied a knot in the end of my rope and hung on Ala The Duke and Teddy R. I wake up, thank God for His love and blessings and decide I can make it a good day. No matter what takes place, I’m not worrying, I’m just gonna’ do my best. My motto is ‘Be All You Can Be’…since our name is BeAll I lifted the old army TV ad. We’re much happier these days. Always loved watching those frisky squirrel’s…they roll w/o a thought and look like they’re having loads of fun. Great fun for all. Good to see such happiness, wow! Need lots of it.
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Your new hairdo is quite striking. It’s important for a woman to keep going no matter what’s facing her. Self-care soothes and comforts.
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Now that I am retired I spend a lot of time alone and I worry less now than I ever did. I think it’s because I don’t have to listen to others complain and grumb!e about all their troubles and worries everyday. That and the fact I don’t have tv service. 🐈
I like your header! Perfect for your place.
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I don’t watch TV either. I’ve decided worrying is another bad habit like biting your nails. It’s fruitless. And I try not to voice it at least since complaining is catchy. Strokes to Teddy and Jack. 🙂
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Insouciance, whimsy, auction, cheeky, and whooohooo. Susannah, practically all of your readers employed a lexicon of expressions, leaving poor moi with zilch to work with. All I could come up with for how I felt about this post was, Supercalifragilisticexpealadotious. But, that would have taken too long to write—so I decided not to. However, I think I’ll see squirrels in a completely different light from now on. 😀
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You’re an appreciator of words. I’m always amazed when I come across a new one. There’s something exhilarating about it. 🙂
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Oh, how I love a good epiphany in the morning. Being delivered by squirrels in Central Park? Please, it doesn’t get better than that my friend.
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Squirrels are very underestimated. They could run a company they’re that organized and industrious. I can see them taking in dry-cleaning or running a deli. It’s okay Top, she is going round the bend, but she’s very happy. 🙂
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