The Ducks and Their Stories: A Lesson in Diversity and Expectations
If you’ve ever visited our practice or heard me speak, you’ve probably encountered the rubber ducks. Bright, quirky, and sometimes surprising, they’ve become a hallmark of what we do – and a question I get asked all the time is, “Why the ducks?”
It’s a question that brings a smile to my face every time because, like many meaningful things in life, the story began in an unexpected way. It’s a wonderfully sentimental story that takes me back to a rainy holiday with my family. The weather had us all cooped up indoors, and with two energetic kids, we needed something to keep the spirits high. That’s when my children discovered a claw machine filled with rubber ducks. Not just your ordinary yellow ducks, mind you – these were pirate ducks, sailor ducks, police ducks, and ducks with sunglasses. There were unicorn ducks, and ducks every colour of the rainbow. Each one had a personality all its own, and that machine became their mission for our trip.
With wide-eyed determination, my kids pooled their resources, along with every bit of spare change my husband and I had in order to win as many ducks as possible. It wasn’t just about the prizes; it became a bonding experience – cheering each other on, strategizing, and celebrating every quirky new addition to the collection. By the end of our trip, our suitcases weren’t just packed with clothes and souvenirs – they were brimming with a community of ducks, each unique, quirky, and full of character.
From Claw Machine to Clinical Practice
Fast forward to when I opened a new practice, and those ducks unexpectedly found their second act. My kids, ever the helpful pair, decided to add their own special touch to the new space. Unknown to me, they secretly hid ducks in every room, nook, and cranny. There were ducks in the waiting room, behind the blinds, tucked into shelves, and even tiny ones peeking out from the tissue boxes. It became a joyful game of discovery, not just for me, but also for our staff and clients, especially the children.
It was playful and heartwarming, but more than that, it created a spark of joy and curiosity for everyone who walked through the doors. Everyone loved the game of finding the ducks, and it wasn’t long before these cheerful little figures became part of Mindworx Psychology’s identity.
Ducks as a Symbol of Connection and Growth
What started as a playful act by my children quickly became something much more meaningful. Those little rubber ducks, with their bright colours and quirky designs, became a symbol for our practice. They represented the creativity and warmth of my family’s support as I worked to grow Mindworx Psychology into what it is today. The ducks, like the practice itself, grew and evolved.
Now, they are an integral part of our environment. For our young clients, they are a source of comfort and discovery. Tucked into therapy rooms, they often become a moment of lightness for children who feel nervous or overwhelmed. There’s also something magical about the double take and grin of a full grown adult surprised by a tiny duck perched somewhere unexpected.
Ducks as a Symbol of Diversity and Discovery
Over time, the ducks have become more than just a playful tradition. They’ve taken on lives of their own, becoming a way to tell stories about diversity, individuality, and expectations. Each duck is different: some are cheerful, some a little wobbly, and others sport sensory aids or mismatched patterns. Together, they tell the story of diversity, individuality, and acceptance. They symbolize the idea that not everyone fits into the same mould, and that’s okay. They challenge the idea that we all need to act, think, or feel in the same way.
And so, when Think-Differently launched, the ducks came too.
In my corporate work, I often talk about the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves to “get our ducks in a row.” But what if our ducks aren’t in a row? What if they’re scattered, colourful, sometimes wobbly, and each marching to the beat of their own drum? That’s okay – because life, like those ducks, is beautifully diverse.
In my presentations, they’ve become a powerful metaphor for embracing our differences and thinking creatively about how we approach life.
A Story That Keeps Growing
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how something as simple as a claw machine on a rainy day turned into a symbol of connection, creativity, and growth. For me, the ducks represent more than just a family memory; they remind me of the values at the heart of what I do. They’re about the joy of discovery, the strength in diversity, curiosity, acceptance and the importance of embracing the unexpected.
So, when you see a duck in our practice or hear me mention them on stage, know that it’s more than a quirky tradition. It’s a story – one that began with my children’s laughter on a rainy holiday. A story of family, of growth, and of embracing the quirks that make each of us unique.
And like all good stories, it continues to grow, one duck at a time.
