7 Life Lessons I've Learned From Jurassic Park
Taken at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Derby, KS.
I am mama to two boys who have each gone through extensive dinosaur phases. It's safe to say I have seen the Jurassic Park movies roughly 65 million times... each. There are a handful of lessons I derived from the movies that have become part of our daily jargon. I am finally ready to share those lessons with you so, read on if you dare!
"Don't go into the long grass" - If a place looks dangerous, or you can't see enough of your surroundings to determine if there are velociraptors lurking around, then it's probably best to avoid that place all together. Don't walk down dark alleys, don't park in dim lots, don't visit shady bars, don't swim in water you can't see through, don't hike if you can't see the path. Stay safe and for goodness sake, don't go into the long grass!
"Clever girl" - Don't let anyone tell you that just because you're some prehistoric creature you can't outsmart them. Don't be afraid to be clever and cunning. Get out there and turn that hunter into the hunted!
"They do move in herds" - Just because all the other dinosaurs in the valley are moving in herds doesn't mean you have to! You are human after all. It's perfectly okay to forge your own path. When I was younger, I spent so much time trying to be part of the herd. When I finally broke free, I only wished I had done it sooner.
"Clean up your workspace" - We don't need Dr. Henry Wu to tell us that there is some truth to clearing your mind by clearing physical clutter. Few things make me feel instantly better like making my bed (I do it every day) or clearing off a messy table. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed, try starting with just one simple task - like cleaning up your workspace.
"You didn't say the magic word" - Manners matter people. Obviously manners go far with the waiter or other service staff, but I have found they go even further with your own family. My husband always says please and thank you, even to the kids. This is one lesson I could be so much better at.
"Woman inherits the earth" - The future is female. Literally, humanity has no future without the biological make up of women. Life may find a way, but somewhere there will need to be a woman managing the day to day of that life. If women are to be ready to inherit the earth (you know, after dinosaurs eat man) then we need to start supporting each other instead of tearing each other down.
"Stick together, for survival" - Lastly, when your career of running a dinosaur park without any fatalities comes to a screeching halt (cough cough Claire) and you're wondering what to do next - stick together! When it all comes crashing down, it is going to be those meaningful relationships that help pick it all back up. Don't get so busy that you forget to cultivate real relationships. Our only hope at surviving this crazy life is to do it together!
XO - Olivia