No buts about it

Tips on getting out of a rut

“Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.” — Plato. Photo by Ann

We are turning to nature to help figure your way out of a rut.

Let’s begin with the environmental meaning of rut. It is a track or deep groove in the ground that is made after many vehicles pass through it. Think of the stubborn driver of a truck who mistakenly drives across a wet field and gets stuck. The driver tries to get the truck unstuck and the situation grows worse. I’ve known a few people who encountered this situation and in each situation, it took tremendous efforts from others to pull the vehicle from the rut it caused.

That same once stuck truck leaves a rut in the ground. If a small creature accustomed to traveling a usual route across that terrain gets stuck in the rut, the challenge becomes worse. That is especially true if the creature attracts the attention of a predator that now easily captures its newfound prey. For the lesser creature, there was no sure way out of the danger.

The turtle pictured above was headed for a large rut before it was picked up and turned around by a kind and observant human. I believe the turtle would have done the same on its own might because wisely, this creature always sticks out its neck when moving. It is slow, steady and aware.

But, if the turtle disobeyed its natural instincts and keeps its head tucked inside of…