Chapter 1: The Natural World Around Us

Nestled in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a largely overlooked region, I find myself surrounded by stunning forests and diverse wildlife. This sparsely populated area is home to an array of creatures including moose, wolves, coyotes, grouse, deer, turtles, and occasionally, pelicans during migration.

In our home, my wife and I enjoy feeding the local squirrels and birds, often taking the time to observe their unique behaviors. Over the past four years, I have come to recognize many of the squirrels that visit us; several have distinctive features that earn them names. Their subtle genetic variations—such as white "eyeliner" around their eyes, differing belly colors, and tail shapes—allow us to identify them easily.

One of our favorite activities is providing in-shell peanuts to these furry visitors. I keep a bowl tucked away behind the TV near our front door. When the squirrels arrive, I gently knock on the door, open it slightly, and call out "Veverka! Veverečka!" (which means "Cute squirrels!" in Czech, a nod to my wife's heritage). More than half of our bushy-tailed companions recognize my voice and eagerly approach, sitting on their hindquarters with their paws close to their chests, anticipating the crunchy treats.

Interestingly, many squirrels do not consume the peanuts right away. Instead, they often carry them off to bury in dirt, leaves, or even snow, and I’ve never witnessed them digging them back up. Some will scurry away, hiding their treasures several blocks from our home.

Are we, as humans, so different from these squirrels?

We dedicate our days to accumulating wealth, meticulously saving for our bills and aspirations. While this is undoubtedly essential—no one wants to face eviction for unpaid bills—we often mirror the squirrels in our behavior. They tirelessly compete for every seed and nut, foraging relentlessly for mere morsels and enduring harsh winters in their leaf nests high above the ground. Yet, we seem to replicate their frantic energy.

Many of us find ourselves trapped in jobs we dislike, working to earn money to purchase items we don't genuinely need or think will bring us happiness. We chase after the metaphorical "carrot on a stick," where the dollar symbolizes our goals and the fear of financial instability acts as the motivating force.

This isn't a call to abandon your job; rather, it's a plea to act responsibly and put forth your best effort. However, it's crucial to ensure that you're making meaningful progress in your life. Engage in reading, self-improvement, community involvement, and strive for personal growth—becoming a better version of yourself.

Avoid the fate of the squirrels, scraping by in a way that may lead to regret. Work hard, but also focus on your development.

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These thoughts are drawn from my upcoming book "YouDaimonia: the Philosophy of Human Flourishing."

Chapter 2: Observations on Squirrel Behavior

In the video "Amazing how this squirrel asks for a different nut," we see the cleverness of squirrels as they navigate their environment and interact with humans, showcasing their unique personalities and behaviors.

The second video, "Nuts to You | Virtual Story Time with Tarneshia," offers a delightful narrative that captures the whimsical nature of squirrels and their adventures, reminding us to appreciate the little joys in life.