"Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath"

A duck gliding across a pond presents a tranquil image: serene, almost motionless, embodying calm and composure. Yet beneath the stillness, hidden from view, its feet are constantly moving, churning the water, working diligently to propel it forward. This duality captures a fundamental aspect of how many people navigate life’s pressures and responsibilities. On the surface, they may seem relaxed, composed, and at ease, appearing unaffected by the turbulence that often characterizes daily challenges. Behind that calm veneer, however, lies a world of effort, persistence, and occasionally, hidden anxiety.

The metaphor suggests the value of maintaining external composure regardless of what might be happening internally. It isn’t about masking one’s true self, but about projecting steadiness in destabilizing circumstances. Such self-control exudes confidence, reassuring both oneself and those around them that situations are manageable, even when they demand hard work and rapid problem-solving. People who embody this kind of poise often inspire trust and stability, becoming sources of strength for their peers.

At the same time, the image recognizes the reality that continual effort is often necessary for success, progress, or simple survival. Life’s demands may keep the mind and energy restlessly engaged, planning, worrying, reassessing, striving. The act of “paddling like the dickens” is an acknowledgment that persistence, adaptability, and hustle are frequently required attributes. Yet by pairing this unseen labor with outward steadiness, one preserves not only their own sense of balance but also helps maintain order and calm in their surroundings.

There is a harmony in this approach: acceptance of one’s busy internal life, coupled with the decision to remain externally composed. It is not an avoidance of struggle, but a way to keep dignity and resilience intact, projecting peace while persisting through unseen effort.