That One Thing…

Everyone has it. That one thing that they are in to and it makes them just that little bit kooky. That one thing that makes them collect keep sakes and bric-a-brac modelled in the image of that one thing. That one thing of which they are in awe and would take a pilgrimage to see in the flesh. Ok…. maybe some of us have more than one thing, but you know what I’m talking about. Right?

For some people, it might be Elvis and travelling to Graceland. For others it’s V8 super cars and Bathurst. For me, it’s giraffes. I LOVE them. I think they are the most gorgeous creature on the planet. I find something graceful in their awkwardness and body shape. The sheer size of their long legs and elongated neck is something I find majestic. Their faces always look like they are at peace with the world and themselves. Have you ever noticed that?

Sometimes I think that the human race could learn something from giraffes, particularly when we are being hard on ourselves about the way our body looks. A giraffe goes through life with such a peculiar gate and lengthy limbs that it has to stand in the most odd positions to perform the basic task of drinking water. Yet, it doesn’t care that it has the longest neck of any creature on Earth. It is not jealous of the zebra or the elephant who can easily reach that water. Nor is it comparing itself to the giraffe standing next to it and saying things like, “My patches don’t look as good as yours.” Instead, it remains a gentle giant. Not just to other creatures, but also to itself and its own kind. That peaceful look on their face endures and they continue living their life contently.

When I look at a giraffe from now on, I’m not just going to see the exquisite creature as I once did – the most handsome beasts on the African plains. I will now view it as a symbol. The giraffe will be my symbol to remind myself and others to always be kind to yourself, stop comparing yourself to others and just be you. Find peace and contentment in what makes you, you. To love yourself and act kindly towards others.

For these reasons, I am going to make the giraffe the mascot to this blog site. From time to time, I might post something about giraffes and the lessons we can learn from them, or maybe about the new giraffe I’ve acquired for my collection. But whenever I see a giraffe, I will be reminding myself to be gentle to myself, give myself a break, and let yourself SHINE.

A few of the giraffes from my little collection.