| A couple of years ago, my dear mother returned to | | | | easy. Sometimes it may be all we can do to just hold |
| college after about a 25+ year hiatus. As the mother | | | | our breath and wait for the storm to pass. But, in many |
| of 7 and a seasoned homemaker, stepping back into | | | | instances, I believe a little personal tweaking here and |
| the student role was to say the least, uncomfortable | | | | there can greatly reduce the level of anxiety and |
| for her. Only a few days ago, she called and shared a | | | | stress in our lives so that rather than barely staying |
| brief conversation that she had when she ran into an | | | | afloat, we get our metaphorical oxygen from the |
| old professor. | | | | water and are literally sustained by our ability to |
| It went something like this: | | | | constantly adapt. |
| "How are things going for you?" asked her professor. | | | | Growing gills will mean something different for each us. |
| "Oh, I'm actually struggling quite a bit. Just keeping my | | | | Maybe you need to work less and spend more time |
| head above water," my mom replied. | | | | with your family to improve withering relationships; eat |
| "Don't!' he said suddenly. | | | | a healthier diet and exercise regularly so you have |
| "Don't?" my mom repeated confused. | | | | more energy to fulfill your responsibilities; forgive |
| Without hesitation, Professor Hawkins said, "Grow gills!" | | | | someone who's offended you or make that phone call |
| I'm not exactly sure what followed after that, but both | | | | you've been meaning to for years; seek to be more |
| my mom and I found this idea of growing gills inspiring. | | | | positive and to suffocate old pessimistic views; align |
| So often we're swimming through life and feeling as | | | | your life with principles of honesty and hard work and |
| though we're barely staying afloat or worse, nearly | | | | not expect others to pick up your slack. |
| drowning. If that's the case, adapt. Have the faith and | | | | Certainly, adapting isn't painless, but you will quickly |
| the fortitude to examine your life and make some | | | | begin to see the fruits of your efforts as you attempt |
| needed changes. I'm not suggesting that life is always | | | | to grow gills. Good luck my fish friends. |