What Scorpions Can Teach You About Life

Simple life lessons from an unpleasant meeting.

A scorpion ready to attack. | Graphic made by author with Canva.

Hi there!

I was already late. 

As I held my electric razor in my right hand, I wondered if there was any way I could brush my teeth with my left. I had to make up time somehow. I adjusted my view in the mirror to get a better glimpse of where I was shaving and moved my right foot forward on the gray shag rug I was standing on. 

The pain was immediate and unmistakable. A scorpion got me.

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."

- Aristotle

If you live in southeast Tennessee, scorpions are part of life. While it’s rare for one to get in my house, it does happen from time to time. And every time it does, it hurts.

What did I do wrong the morning one stung me? 

I moved too fast. 

I was thinking about the future and not paying attention to the present. The scorpion didn’t plan to sting me. It was just doing what came naturally to it. As I look back, there are a lot of life lessons we can learn from scorpions.

Here are three things that scorpions can teach you about life:

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Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.

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Slow Down and Pay Attention to the Present Moment

If you’re not careful, you can miss what’s right in front of you.