The joy in letting go of being cool

Letting go of being cool

I don’t know many people who get on the same level as the local wildlife and talk to them as if they understand what they’re saying. I do. And I love it when I’m with someone who will crouch down next to me and appreciate the beauty of a swan, the chatter of a duck or the brave curiosity of a squirrel. Or even save me from falling into the lake when I get a little too close.

More often than not I’m with someone who will stand back as if they’re nothing to do with me. I know many people will want no part in my silliness. In all honestly, I feel ridiculous. I know I’m opening myself up to criticism and I wait for a joke or a sarcastic comment as I’m likened to Dr Doolittle. Those comments come but they no longer stop me.

I get so much joy from being with the wildlife; talking to them and watching them, that I’m prepared to let go of looking cool. I’ll call to the ducks; feed the swans from my hand, and I’ll chat with the squirrels as they wishfully search me for nuts!

It’s taken a long time to start letting go of acting cool and controlled. But, animals bring me laughter and joy and peace. Being cool just doesn’t compare. And so this must be true in all other areas of my life. Even those areas where I still like to act cool and controlled.

I know it’s important to let go of being cool and that concern with what others will think. It robs us of the laughter, song and dance of amazing life experiences. So perhaps my next stretch is to practise carelessly singing and dancing in front of other people, just like I do when I’m home alone, singing my heart out and throwing my own unique shapes to my favourite feel-good tunes.