Hello, beautiful souls! I have a question for y'all: How do animal characters make it easier for us to look at our own human flaws? Last time, I talked about fables we can learn from, and I still have plenty more to share. So consider this the continuation of the last blog.
Lesson #4: The grass isn’t always greener on the other side
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Have you ever heard the story of "The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse"? Let me tell you a bit about it.
Once upon a time, a Country Mouse invited her cousin, the Town Mouse, over for lunch. The Country Mouse served simple food: wheat, roots, and water. The Town Mouse barely touched any of it. She sniffed and said,
“Life in the city is so much better! You should come see my fancy home.”
The next day, they traveled to the city together. When they arrived at a huge mansion, the dining table was covered in leftover treats: sweet jellies, delicious cheeses, and pastries! The Country Mouse was so excited that she reached for a bite of cake. Suddenly, MEOW! A loud cat scratched at the door! The mice scrambled into a tiny hole, shaking with fear. When they finally crept back out, the door banged open again, and this time a big house dog ran in, barking loudly.
The Country Mouse grabbed her bags and ran straight for the exit. “Goodbye, cousin!” she called. “You can keep your fancy city food. I prefer my quiet, safe country home where I can eat in peace!”
Moral lesson: A simple, safe life is better than a rich life full of fear and danger. And yes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. We often look at what others have, whether it’s fancy things or a seemingly exciting life, and wish it were ours. But we don’t always see the hidden problems and stress that come with it. It’s always better to appreciate what we have than to envy what others do.
Lesson #5: Always be kind
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Now let me tell you about "The Lion & the Mouse". I assume you all know this one already, or do you? Have you ever pictured yourself as a lion who needs help from a mouse? Can a tiny mouse truly help a mighty lion? Well, that’s the heart of this story.
Once upon a time, a mighty Lion was taking a nap in the forest. A frightened little Mouse accidentally ran right across the Lion's nose! The angry Lion woke up and caught the tiny mouse under his huge paw, ready to squish her.
"Please spare me!" cried the Mouse. "If you let me go, I promise to help you one day."
The Lion laughed at the idea of a tiny mouse helping a big king of the jungle, but he was kind and let her go. A few days later, the Lion got trapped in a hunter’s strong rope net. He couldn't break free and roared loudly in anger. The Mouse heard him and ran to help. She used her sharp teeth to chew and gnaw through the thick ropes until the Lion was free!
"You laughed when I said I would help you," the Mouse said happily. "But now you see that even a tiny mouse can help a big lion."
Moral lesson: Even the smallest friends can be a great help, so always treat everyone with kindness.
Lesson #6: Admit when things are too hard
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Sometimes, when I think about everything I still need to reach in order to live out my dreams, I tell myself I can handle it all on my own, because I know myself better than anyone else does. But that thought always brings me back to a story I once read, "The Fox & the Grapes".
Once upon a time, a hungry Fox saw a bunch of beautiful, juicy purple grapes hanging high up on a tree branch. His mouth watered, and he really wanted a sweet snack!
He took a big breath, jumped high into the air, but missed! He walked back, took a running start, and leaped even higher. But he still couldn't reach them. He tried jumping again and again until he was completely tired out. Finally, the Fox sat down, looked up at the tree, and rolled his eyes.
"What a silly fox I am!" he sniffed proudly. "I am wasting my time for a bunch of sour grapes that probably taste terrible anyway!" And he walked away with his nose in the air.
Moral lesson: It’s easy to dislike or make fun of something just because we can’t have it. And it’s okay to admit when things are too hard. Instead of honestly saying, “I tried my best, but I’m just not tall enough to reach,” the fox made up a lie to protect his pride. He blamed the grapes rather than accept the truth. It’s much better to be honest with yourself about what you can’t do than to make excuses or talk badly about it.
When I sit and think about these stories, I can’t help but share them with you, cuz why not? They’re not just fancy tales about talking animals. They teach us something and open our eyes, and learning from them is never a waste of time.
And that brings us to the end of this blog. Have a nice day, and fare thee well until our next tale begins.
Ruffa Jane V. Companion
I wear many hats: writer, public speaker, poet, artist, debater, daughter, sister, ESL Teacher, and I also studied law. I am a lifelong learner who thrives on discovering new ideas and sharing meaningful perspectives with the world, who also possess the reserved trait of a diplomat. True to my surname, COMPANION, I aim to be a comforting and intellectual companion to everyone who encounters my work. Driven by a lifelong dream to achieve recognition as a renowned author, I continue to craft impactful narratives and inspire global learners daily. I love connecting with fellow Hivers! Feel free to hit Follow to stay tuned for more poetry, educational insights, and deep dives. Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments so I can check out your blog, too!