Children's stories can teach us so much whether we are young, old, or somewhere in between. Their lessons are timeless and almost universally applicable in our personal and professional lives. If you are familiar with the story, A House for Hermit Crab, or any story by Eric Carle, then you may agree. If you are not familiar with this story (and even if you are) I encourage you take a pause out of your day to treat yourself to this cool 6-minute video or to pick up the book. Spoiler alert: I may divulge what happens in the story...
Like Hermit Crab, we grow. Our proverbial shells come in many forms, and like Hermit Crab, we happily spend our time working away decorating our shells with jobs, homes, titles, cars, degrees, busyness and stuff. It's what we're supposed to do, right? Some of us may get caught up in "shell comparison" or live our own versions of "Keeping Up with the Hermit Crabashians."
As humans, we grow in all sorts of ways, and sometimes our "shells" become a bit snug and uncomfortable. And, like Hermit Crab, many of us attach ourselves to the things that decorate our shell, because they make our shell beautiful and more comfortable for us. But eventually...we realize that we have outgrown our shell and need a bigger, more suitable shell. That can be scary, and hard!
Although the struggle may be real, if we approach our search for a new shell with an open mind, open heart, and a sense of adventure, we may realize that shedding our attachment to our old shell and all that decorates it can be a beautiful process. It allows us to stretch and grow, freeing us to welcome new possibilities. Releasing our attachment to our old shell also creates an opportunity for someone else who may be looking for just the right fit! Just like Hermit Crab.
Perhaps you are familiar with the saying by the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, that "the only constant is change." We are constantly changing, as is the world around us. Our outer shells are temporary at best and do not define who we are on the inside. No matter what your shell may look like right now, it is what is inside your shell that truly matters.
This week's reflection: What's in your shell? What attachments can you let go of?
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