A Little Animal in all of us

While we ponder the news of our weak economy, the debt ceiling debate, and yet another rise in unemployment, it's hard not get depressed. Trying to balance being informed but not getting obsessed with the woes of our country and the world is not easy. But adding a little frivolity to our lives, the sort that doesn't require spending any money, can help lighten our spirits at least temporarily.

Recently, we had dinner with lifelong friends and quickly became embroiled in a discussion of what's happening in this country. A heavy pause followed. Seeking to shift the conversation in a more positive direction, I asked a question from one of my blog postings, "A Pumpkin Pie Sort of Woman."

Our friend, John, just couldn't get the concept, insisting on naming his favorite pie, instead. "Well, then, what kind of animal would you be?" asked his wife. "Oh, that's easy," he said, "a lion. After all, I'm a Leo and like a lion, I depend on the female providing the food. I'm proud, too, just like a lion." We all giggled. So much easier than describing yourself in pie terms, it seemed. My significant other, Will, is a horse, of course. Dependable, stable, strong, while friend Elizabeth is a bird, free and able to fly.

A few days later, I found myself thinking about the evening and how much fun it was to imagine magical, semi nonsensical matters so I decided right then and there it was time to do another survey. This time to bring out the animal in some of those I know and love. Surprisingly, there were few repeats. With a little help from my friends, perhaps I could open a small "menagerie."

Here are the "animals" that would populate it:

A tiger: Like a tiger, Julie, part of our West Coast family, sees herself as an introvert and so relates to the tiger which is a solitary creature. Like the tiger, Julie is smart and a bit mysterious. I believe she has an inner strength that's not always visible to others.

A dolphin: Julie's fiancee, Sandy, chooses the dolphin as her alter ego. She has a playful nature similar to the dolphin's. Sandy adds, "while the dolphin is often solitary, she also enjoys the "pod" life spent with loved ones. I concur with her choice because like the aquatic creature, Sandy is also a great communicator and brings joy wherever she goes.

A cat: Janni, our dear longtime neighbor, chooses the feline because she likes the idea that "they have nine lives—imagine that—no chores to do but chase mice." She adds the idea of being able to be so independent and to curl up on a window sill in the sun whenever she pleases sounds just about right. I can attest to her choice because no one enjoys her days more than Janni does.

A puppy: Pat, fellow book lover, definitely views herself as a canine, albeit a young one. She likes the idea that she would become part of a nice family and could grow and be part of the whole. "Faithful, loving, and kind," she adds. It's easy to imagine as Pat consistently demonstrates those qualities as an integral part of our St. Francis Book Group.

A koala bear: Julia, my youngest participant and beloved granddaughter, says she's a koala because like this lovable little figure, she says, "I look calm and innocent, but you mess with me, I'll bite back." I see her as this Australian marsupial for both her athleticism and her ability to hang on to her beliefs and values as the koala clings to the tree.


A chameleon: Elizabeth, the adult daughter of a close friend, loves all animals, but most identifies with her lizard, Charlie. "I see myself as not shy, but reserved. And like my chameleon, I tend to be most happy in the background rather than standing out in a group." A good choice, I think, because in talking to Elizabeth, the colors of her mood and emotions are visible to the listener.

So, tonight, if you feel weighed down with the news, turn it off and turn to your family members and ask, "What kind of animal are you?" After all, there's a little animal in all of us.

Now this rabbit has to hop away…