What I learned from squirrels

The other day I was coming face-to-face with some unpleasant thoughts, which I was well aware of were coming from a less than desirable place within myself.

I was both creating these thoughts and observing myself create them, as well as laughing and getting frustrated.

Essentially, I was going round and round and having a difficult time letting go.

I pulled out my usual bag of tricks- deep breathing, meditation, etc. and nothing really was working.

So, I decided to write down what I was experiencing in order to get it out of my energy field and I looked up at one of the coconut trees in my yard.

This tree is filled with maybe close to 30 coconuts and in it were two squirrels.

These little entertaining creatures were fighting over the same coconut.

I watched for a few seconds before telling them in my head (maybe a bit out loud), "there are plenty of coconuts!"

As I watched this, something hit me regarding what I was stressed out about.

I was living with thoughts of scarcity in that moment and apparently the squirrels were also, and a bit of stubbornness if you ask me.

The deep fear of scarcity led and continues to lead to so much suffering in the world.

Fear of not enough land, resources, money, and control, are typical governmental examples of scarcity.

Fear of not being (loved) enough, having enough (love), doing enough (to be loved), are typical ways that humans create their personal suffering.

When there is scarcity of love and full presence from caretakers in childhood, 

people end up seeking them in less than healthy ways. 

Some of the ways are to seek fulfillment from how much you earn, what you look like, what you accomplish.

You start fighting for the same coconut as everyone else, not able to be aware there are 30 more above your head.

It’s not your fault—we’ve been conditioned to chase, compare, and prove. 

To believe that peace or worth is a reward you earn once you finally “arrive.”

But here’s what I’m learning—again and again:

Fulfillment doesn’t come from adding more.

It comes from softening into what’s already here.

From noticing the ways we tighten, control, or compete… and choosing presence and patience instead.

That moment with the squirrels reminded me of something I’ve seen in coaching, parenting, and even in myself—

Sometimes the deepest breakthroughs come not from fixing the story, but from loosening your grip on it.

From simply noticing: "Oh wow, I’m doing the thing again."

And instead of judging it, choosing to breathe, smile, and remind yourself—

There’s enough. I’m enough.

I choose love and back it up with actions that show it to myself.

Remember to fill your children with unconditional love, COMPLETE presence, and patience so they have a better chance to break the patterns we went through.

As long as you fill yourself as well, and add in compassion and forgiveness,

you will always realize there are plenty of coconuts.