Some Days You Want To Punch A Shark

Some days you want to punch a shark, but you don’t, because sharks are big and aquatic and in possession of teeth far sharper than yours.

Some days you want to punch a shark, but you don’t have the bus fare to get the the aquarium.

Some days you want to punch a shark, but if you cannot go to the aquarium, how do you handle the logistics? You have to get to the ocean and meet the shark in its home terrain, figure out how to handle the rigours of breathing or floating while throwing a punch that will mean something? Do you know how to scuba? Do you know how to surf? How do you even know where the sharks are going to be?

Some days you want to punch a shark. Usually, it’s a Monday.

Some days you want to punch a shark, but you fear what might happen when you give in to that impulse.

Some days you want to punch a shark, because punching sharks seems badass. You are not a badass. You are soft and quiet and you enjoy a cup of tea. This is not a bad thing, really, but perhaps you have been told otherwise.

Some days you want to punch a shark, but you know this is wrong. So wrong. 

Some days you want to punch a shark, so you daydream about going surfing. About drifting in the water where the sharks are local. Hanging out there, waiting until you see a fin in the water, goading the shark into lunching at you and trying to take a bite. It’s okay to punch a shark if the shark starts it, right? You would like to punch a shark, but you don’t want to be the bad guy. 

Some days you want to punch a shark, but you know this is still wrong.

Some days you want to punch a shark, but do you? Do you really? This isn’t the sort of thing people dream about, so where does this impulse come from? Have you been watching Sharknado movies? Did you sit down and watch The Meg? 

What does the shark represent in this scenario? What void are you hoping your shark-punching will fill?

Some days you want to punch a shark, because it’s easier than admitting that part of you admires the shark. The simplicity of their life. The simplicity of their huger.

Some days you want to punch a shark, but you don’t. You make that choice.

Some days you want to punch a shark. Some days, you do not. If this is a shark-punching day, slow down. Take a moment. Breathe. Focus and be mindful. Focus on the things that mean something to you that do not involve fists and teeth and fins.