Animals have a lot to teach us about facing adversities and overcoming our fears. For instance, cows and buffalo have a very different approach when facing storms.
Cows tend to run away from looming thunder storms, seeking shelter or trying to escape its impact. This often leads to them remaining in the storm for longer, prolonging their exposure to the elements and their discomfort and suffering. Unfortunately, they expose themselves to additional dangers such as lightning strikes or flooding. This approach symbolizes a more passive stance towards challenges—delaying action and hoping that the problem will resolve itself without direct confrontation. Instead of controlling their response to the storm, cattle are reacting to its changes, leading to unpredictable and disorganized efforts to find safety. And they tend to face storms alone.
Buffalo, on the other hand, deal with storms differently. Instead of fleeing or trying to evade the squall, they charge directly into it. This might seem like a risky move, but it’s actually a strategic one. By heading directly into the storm, they reduce the amount of time they spend exposed to its harsh conditions. They face the challenge head-on, navigating through it with determination and efficiency. They’re not merely reacting to the storm’s changes; they are actively navigating through it. Buffalo often travel in herds, supporting each other through tough conditions. Their collective strength and shared determination help them face challenges more effectively, teaching us the value of tackling problems head-on.
Let’s see what lions can teach us about dealing with our fears. Lions in Africa have a tried and true method to hunt gazelle. The strong, younger members of the pride hide in the brush downwind of a herd of gazelle, while the oldest male lion sets up upwind. This elder lion is weak, can’t run and has no teeth, but he can still roar with the best of them. When they are all in place, the old cat sits up and roars. The gazelles hear and smell him, startle and then run away right into the teeth of the young lions.
The moral of the story? When you feel your fear, the tendency is to run away from it. Girls I counsel will make up negative stories in their heads about why something is scary and let their fears eat them up. When the next opportunity comes around that involves stretching out of their comfort zone, it’s harder to garner the courage to push through fears because the stories in our heads get louder. When you hear the roar, it’s best to work through your fear because the situation almost never has as much ‘bite’ as you thought. I have girls recount past instances when they were afraid to try something but did it anyway, and they recall that what they were afraid of happening almost never occurs, or if something did happen, they handled it. Those memories can give them courage for future endeavors.
Take a cue from these animals. Learn to face your problems head on and don’t be afraid to ask for support from your herd. Remember the limitations that arise from procrastination and avoidance. When fears arise from facing new challenges, go for the roar and drive through them. Then add that experience to your collection of evidence that we do have the ability to overcome the fearful stories in our heads.
Tim Jordan, M.D., is a Behavioral Pediatrician who counsels girls aged grade school thru college. Listen to his weekly podcast, Raising Daughters, to gain information on raising strong, resilient girls. For more info on Dr. Jordan’s retreats, summer camps and books visit drtimjordan.com.
