A Web of Positivity
On the eve of Ireland’s lockdown ‘easing’ I undertook a task I’d been putting off for months; to forcibly eject a large family of spiders who had taken possession of the walls and ceiling of the outside toilet. Doing so with the greatest of care to minimise death and injury, many made valiant efforts to return. They sought out nooks and crannies to evade my sweeping brush only to be once again shepherded onto it, and deposited down the garden. I couldn’t help but be impressed by their sheer determination, courage and resilience. Their home and food store had been forcibly taken from them. Their months of work was in shreds, and through no fault of theirs, they found themselves in a strange new environment, susceptible to threats of all kind, not least the resident Robin.
As humans many of us find ourselves forced to face mighty challenges, be it from Covid 19, war, abuse, addiction, the list goes on. Change is thrust upon us and we have no choice but to adapt. It takes extraordinary courage to accept change, especially when we feel it to be unfair. But sometimes we are left with little choice, we must adapt or die.
As a first step it can be helpful to find the positives to our new situation. What can we be thankful for? Take the spiders for example. They are alive and uninjured. They are in a new outdoor home replete with fresh food resources and plenty of foliage under which to find shelter. It is early summer; the garden is alive and the temperature is well above freezing. Those of them that react in this way, and look to the future will adapt and start afresh. They’re the resilient ones.
So, the next time you find change forcibly thrust upon you, follow their example and think of the positives. Your web of positivity will give you the courage to take stock, adapt and move forward.