Lessons from the King of the Jungle

By Kadejah Brathwaite, Intern

Life can be rough, especially for a millennial about to graduate from college. Decision making can be difficult, because we are so unsure about how our choices are going to affect our future careers and lives. I don’t believe that life gets easier, but rather we get stronger. Instead of being discouraged by the stresses of life, I search for ways that I can learn to handle it as I mature.

“The Lion King” is a Disney story we all know that highlights a little cub who learned how to navigate through life despite the fear and uncertainty it brought. With the latest version of the movie premiering July 18, 2019, I felt encouraged to specifically focus on these large male cats who so fiercely represent a level of leadership and fearlessness that I aspire to have. Moreover, there is a great deal of facts about this species that can be applied to anyone with ambitious dreams.

Lions sleep and rest for up to 20 hours a day.

Busy schedules can seem like a burden when you have little to no time for yourself. For me, there is constant pressure to keep working and when I’m not, I feel out of place — like there is something else I need to be doing to fill in the time. What I learned is that even the toughest beasts of the safari need rest. Lions know how to slow down and recharge, which is why they are always prepared for hunting. If we as humans don’t find time to rejuvenate, we could very well miss the opportunities we work so hard at receiving.

A lion’s roar can be heard from five miles away.

I have witnessed fear silence people and even myself. When you share a unique idea or a thought with others, you run the risk of it being judged and discounted. There are plenty of people around the world with great ideas, but what separates a person with a good idea from the other with a great one is the uniqueness of their voice. Similar to a lion, I am practicing how to not just be seen but be heard. With that comes respect.

Lions move in groups called prides.

You become like the people you surround yourself with. The fact that lions stick together in herds is exemplary because they are supported by others who have common goals — to survive and be ahead of their competitors. When was the last time you scrutinized who you let into your space? In my final year of college, I can look back and say that I am not close to the same people I began this journey with. It is not always easy to discern who should or shouldn’t be in your life anymore, but making that determination is necessary for growth.

While new seasons in life can bring unexpected emotions of fear, we can find encouragement from the way lions thrive no matter where they are in the jungle.