In the middle of the big grassy savanna, under a huge tree, lived a lion named Frank. Frank wasn’t just any lion; he was the king, but being king was hard and he didn’t like the crown he had to wear.
Frank’s mane was bright like the sun and his roar was super loud. All the animals looked up to him, but Frank wasn’t happy. He felt mad all the time, but he hid it behind his loud roar.
Every day was the same for Frank. He had to keep the savanna safe, break up fights between the animals, and lead when they hunted for food. But the hardest thing for him was the baby lions – his own and the others. They were naughty and didn’t listen to him, pulling his mane, not doing what he said, and making a big mess.
One day, Frank went to the river to relax. But the cubs were there, and they started fighting, blaming each other for everything. Frank’s head hurt as he tried to help them get along. He wished he could be free, without the crown or all the work.
That night, Frank decided to leave to find some peace. Before the sun came up, he went away without anyone seeing.
He went through thick forests and over big mountains. He met other animals who wondered why the king of the savanna was so far away. Frank told them his story, and many understood why he was looking for peace.
In a pretty valley, Frank met an old elephant named Sam. Sam listened and thought for a while.
“Frank, sometimes to find peace, you have to face the things that bother you,” Sam said.
Frank didn’t understand, but he kept going, thinking about what Sam said. He saw lots of cool things, but he was still angry inside.
He got to the ocean, a big water area that went on and on. He’d never seen anything so big and calm. It made him feel small and his problems didn’t seem so bad.
But being away didn’t make him feel better. He missed the savanna, the cubs, even all the work. He missed home.
Frank went back home. It was a long trip, but he felt stronger with each step. He thought about what Sam said and started to see things differently. “Frank, sometimes to find peace, you have to face the things that bother you,” the words echoed in his mind as he walked.
When Frank got back, the animals were happy to see him. He talked to all of them, even the cubs.
“I left because I was mad and tired. I thought I wanted to be free from all of you and my job. But I learned that peace doesn’t come from running away. It comes from facing your problems and finding the good in them,” Frank said, calmly and wisely.
From then on, Frank did his job in a new way. He played with the cubs, teaching them with kindness. He was a good king, a friend, and a teacher to his pride.
The savanna did well with Frank as king, and everyone loved him. The crown still felt heavy sometimes, but Frank was happy because he found peace at home with the animals he loved.
So, Frank learned that being truly free comes from understanding and being okay with our lives, good and bad parts.
"When we climb the mountain of perspective, our problems shrink to the size of pebbles below." - Cass Marilao
Self Reflection Time
Self reflection questions and group discussion:
- What are the “crowns” in my life, the responsibilities or roles that I feel burdened by?
- Do I often suppress my emotions, particularly anger or frustration, instead of addressing them directly?
- What aspects of my life do I find most challenging, and how do I cope with them?
- Am I seeking external escapes from my problems, or am I willing to confront them head-on?
- What are the “cubs” in my life, the people or situations that test my patience and understanding?
- How can I approach challenging relationships or responsibilities with more empathy and patience?
- Am I open to seeking guidance and wisdom from others, even if it means challenging my own beliefs?
- Do I allow myself time and space for reflection and self-care?
- What are the places or activities that bring me a sense of peace ?
- How can I integrate those sources of peace into my daily life, even when facing challenges?
- What does “home” mean to me, and how does it contribute to my sense of well-being?
- Am I willing to return to the things I find difficult, with a new perspective and a willingness to learn?
- How can I reframe my challenges as opportunities for growth and self-discovery?
- What are the “Sam” figures in my life, the mentors or guides who offer wisdom and support?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the people and experiences in my life, even the difficult ones?
- Am I willing to be vulnerable and honest with myself and others about my struggles?
- What are the ways in which I can use my strengths and talents to make a positive impact on the world around me?
- How can I embrace my role and responsibilities with grace and compassion?
- What steps can I take to create a more harmonious and fulfilling life, both personally and professionally?
- How can I find peace and contentment within myself, regardless of my external circumstances?
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