Old Bull/Young Bull

Having spent close to two decades as a firefighter I'v learnt my fair share of lessons. Moral lessons, and lessons that had I not 'learnt' from them on first making the corresponding mistake would've certainly killed me... Very serious stuff.

But the lessons that always struck the longest lasting chord with me have been the ones that I learnt from the older and much more experienced firemen. Like old bible stories that had been given a working class makeover. Drenched in humor, with the realistic prospect of a 'thick ear' from my mentor/colleague/workmate if I didn't learn....(if I don't learn quickly of course).

I am super impatient. And occasionally I would even cut corners with things I felt were unnecessary if it meant that I could achieve a certain goal.

One lesson that I always have a little chuckle to myself about came from a great firefighter called Andy. He had so much more experience than me... In everything! After working with me for around a year (around 2005), he pulled me a side with an exasperated look on his face. His head like a big red (and bald) beetroot..... finally ready to snap:

"Matt..... Take it easy!! Stop rushing everything!" he said with his angry face on. Of course I agreed! But was I going to change? Well, not right away. But over time what he said next has really helped me no end. And maybe it will you too.

"Have you heard the story of 'Old Bull/Young Bull' Matty?" Andy asked.

"Errr, i've once drank a can of Red Bull?" I meekly replied.

He began; "There were two bulls in a field. An old bull, and a young bull. And at the bottom of the field was another field full of lovely heifer cows. Fluttering their eyelashes, and chewing juicy cuds of grass.

"Oooh! Ooh!" shouted young bull to the old bull exited "We should quickly run down to that field and mate with one of those cows!!!"

The old bull coolly glanced over to his young friend and said "Why don't we just WALK down and mate with them ALL!?"

For the next ten years after Andy told me that little story, whenever I found myself acting a little 'young bullish' and rushing things, he would just peer at me over his glasses with a smile on his face and in his calmest voice say "Old bull-young bull Matty lad, Old bull-young bull". And i'd check myself and carry out the task properly. Patiently and properly.

And when i'm rushing around on a morning getting kids ready for school and replying to emails, whilst eating breakfast and trying to get my briefcase ready before a long day out of the house, I get an image of that old fireman drift into my conscience (like Obi Wan Kinobi in Empire Srikes Back) and say to me "Old bull-young bull Matty lad, Old bull-young bull"

Be like Old Bull.

Matt