Ah, Fall. The season of crunchy leaves, pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters—and, if you’re anything like me, it’s also flu season. The changing of the seasons always brings a bit of chaos to our house, and this year, it brought an extra unwelcome visitor: the flu. My twins were hit with it at the same time, turning my home into a quarantine zone that made me feel like I was living in a science experiment gone wrong. You’d think they’d coordinate better, but no. Double the germs, double the chaos.
And while I was busy playing nurse, cook and cleaner, I started thinking about Charles Darwin’s theory of adaptability. Because, really, what is motherhood if not a real-life lesson in survival of the fittest?
Darwin’s Theory: A Crash Course for the Cold and Flu Season
Now, when Darwin talked about "survival of the fittest," I’m pretty sure he wasn’t imagining a mom in her third hour of Lysol-ing every surface in her house. But, as with the changing seasons, his theory of adaptability is as relevant today as ever.
In Darwin’s world, it’s not the strongest or even the smartest creatures that thrive—it's the ones that adapt.
And here’s where I get clever: adaptability isn’t just for the animal kingdom. It’s for flu season, too.
You see, while the flu was knocking my household flat, I realized I had two options:
Go down with the ship (tempting).
Adapt like a Darwinian mom-warrior.
I chose option two—because let’s face it, there’s no room for collapse when you're armed with a thermometer and a mountain of laundry.
Fall, Flu, and the Finches: Adaptability in Action
In the same way that animals adapt to their environments, we humans do the same—whether it's dealing with a sick household or the inevitable onslaught of Fall allergies. Darwin observed
finches in the Galápagos Islands who evolved different beak shapes depending on the food available. Well, this week, I evolved into a human hand sanitizer dispenser, constantly replenishing my stock of chicken soup and tissues. Adaptation at its finest!
Just like those finches who couldn’t survive on beaks alone (they needed to evolve), we parents don’t survive flu season on sheer willpower.
We need adaptability. We change our schedules, routines, and, sometimes, our wardrobe (sweatpants become the new uniform when you're on sick duty).
And much like those beaks, I’d like to think my own “survival tools” were evolving, too—be it patience, humor, or the ability to dodge a sneezing kid at lightning speed.
Darwin’s Life Lessons (with a Side of Flu Medicine)
Here’s the thing: Darwin’s theory isn’t just a biological principle. It’s a life lesson wrapped in scientific brilliance. It teaches us that survival—and thriving—is about flexibility, about changing course when needed, and about rolling with the punches (or in my case, the sneezes). And let me tell you, when both kids are under the weather, and you're a one-woman show, flexibility is the only thing standing between you and total burnout.
So, how do we adapt like Darwinian champions when the seasons—and germs—turn against us?
Go with the Flow (or the Flu): Just like the changing leaves, flu season is inevitable. But the trick is to embrace it. Fight it, and you’ll end up stressed and probably sick yourself. Accept it, adapt, and you’ll be the one still standing when the tissues run out.
Evolve Your Toolkit: Just like the finches’ beaks, we need to evolve our tools. Stock up on remedies, snacks, and all the patience you can muster. Your tools for survival are the key to navigating the chaos.
Laugh It Off: As Darwin’s theories show us, life is unpredictable. So, when your living room looks like a medical supply store and you haven’t slept in days, find the humor. Evolution is serious, but adaptability? That requires a good sense of humor, too.
Stay Curious: Darwin was nothing if not curious. He spent years studying and observing, and while I’m not suggesting you do that with your flu-ridden kids (seriously, no thanks), staying curious about how you can adapt better is essential. Maybe next year, you’ll discover a new trick or remedy. That’s the spirit of adaptability!
The Fall Flu and Evolutionary Wisdom
As I watched the leaves change this fall, I realized how much we’re like nature. The seasons shift, the weather cools, and life throws curveballs (or in my case, twin-sized flu curveballs). But through it all, we adapt. We don’t resist the change; we adjust to it, grow through it, and come out the other side stronger—or at least, a bit more prepared for whatever comes next.
Have you ever struggled to overcome changing circumstances?
Do you feel like you can't change with your environment?
How do you feel your life could be better if you could adapt to difficult moments better?
I would love to hear about you, and see how we can get you on path to adaptability!
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So, here’s the takeaway: Darwin didn’t just leave us with a theory about birds and beaks. He left us with a guide for life. When the seasons change, or the flu hits hard, remember it's not the strongest who survive, but those who adapt with grace (and maybe a little bit of sarcasm).
After all, fall will pass, the flu will go, and in the end, we’ll emerge just a little more evolved—hopefully with immune systems (and patience) as strong as Darwin’s beloved finches.
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