The Lion, The Gazelle, and The Intricacies of Survival

PositiveMinds | Positive Stories | Edition 038

Survival is as old as life, yet its intricate details are often glossed over. In the animal kingdom, the lion and the gazelle serve as compelling metaphors for the multifaceted nature of survival. The lion, an epitome of strength and ambition, relentlessly chases its dreams, symbolised by the prey it hunts. On the other hand, the gazelle, a model of agility and acute awareness, runs to escape its worst nightmares, which manifest as predators it must elude.

"In the grand theatre of existence, both the lion and the gazelle are bound by the same rule: to run is to live. One chases dreams with the focus of a seasoned hunter, while the other escapes nightmares with the instinct of a seasoned survivor."

Unleashing the Lion Within: The Mentor Who Taught Me to Roar and Conquer

I've had the extraordinary privilege of working under a boss who transcended the conventional supervisor role. He was a mentor, a visionary, and a catalyst for change. He saw my untapped potential and encouraged me to think big, dream bigger, and never settle for mediocrity. Under his transformative guidance, I was empowered to take calculated risks, innovate, and lead teams to success. Today, I am a reflection of his mentorship. He instilled in me the focus of a hunter chasing its prey, and for that life-changing gift, I am eternally grateful. 

The Gazelle's Escape: Fleeing the Toxicity That Made Me Stronger and Wiser

 Conversely, life also presented me with a boss who served as a cautionary tale. His toxic behaviour and questionable ethics brought out the 'gazelle' in me. I found myself running, not just from him, but from the toxic environment he fostered. His actions served as a wake-up call, compelling me to reevaluate my life priorities and take decisive action to preserve my well-being. Paradoxical as it may seem, I owe a part of my resilience and wisdom today to that experience. He inadvertently taught me to recognise and evade the dangers of the professional world. 

The Dual Roles We Play: A Complex Choreography of Ambition and Caution 

In the tapestry of our lives, we often find ourselves oscillating between the roles of the lion and the gazelle. As the lion, we are driven by our aspirations, goals, and dreams. We run with a hunter's focus; eyes unerringly locked onto our objectives. Standing still is not an option; it equates to relinquishing our ambitions and letting golden opportunities slip away. The lion within us comprehends that capturing the 'prey' transcends mere desire; it's a declaration of our rightful place in the world. 

Conversely, the gazelle in us emerges when we confront situations that pose a threat—physical, emotional, or spiritual. We run with a survivor's instinct, acutely aware of the lurking dangers. Evasion, we understand, is often the wisest strategy for survival. We master the art of dodging pitfalls, sidestepping obstacles, and leaping over hurdles to escape the 'predators' that jeopardise our well-being. 

The Moral of the Story: The Essence of Survival 

In conclusion, whether you find yourself as the lion in pursuit of a coveted promotion or as the gazelle cautiously avoiding a toxic relationship, the underlying essence is survival. Both roles demand agility, unwavering focus, and an indomitable will to keep running. Because, in the grand scheme of things, survival is the great equaliser; it rewards those willing to engage in life's race, whether it's a sprint or a marathon. 

Your Turn: Are You a Lion, a Gazelle, or Both? 

Now that you've journeyed through the complexities of survival in both the professional and personal realms, it's time to reflect. Are you the lion relentlessly chasing your dreams? Or are you the gazelle, wisely evading life's pitfalls? Perhaps you're a blend of both, navigating life's challenges with a balanced approach. 

Whatever your answer, remember that both the lion and the gazelle have their moments of triumph. Share your own 'lion' or 'gazelle' moment in the comments below. Let's inspire each other to keep running, whether we're chasing dreams or dodging nightmares. 

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