Ducks amaze me…they’re comfortable and adept on land, in water, and in the air. And some even sit in trees. A few weeks back, I spotted this beautiful wood duck high above me, and I marveled at his ability to balance on a branch.
Then out of nowhere, a Canada goose appeared and noisily chased him out of the tree. And off the wood duck went to find another perch.
As I continued walking, I had a thought. Animals adapt so very well. Though the wood duck was obviously surprised by the goose, he quickly adjusted to the setback and moved on.
I confess that setbacks can be challenging for me. I sometimes find myself replaying events in my mind, caught in the ‘What if’ and ‘If only’ loops, causing myself much worry and angst.
Maybe animals know something we don’t. Perhaps I could follow the wood duck’s lead in dealing with setbacks… do my best, gracefully accept the unexpected, change what I can, move on and don't look back.
I might be on to something…
(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)