It is early in the morning.ย King Chip ascends to his throne, stands tall, and confidently announces to the world that he has arrived.
King Chip, or as we call him, the Lord of the Woodpile, is a chipmunk.ย ย Each day, he climbs to the top of a woodpile in my back yard, ย stands tall in the morning sunlight, and chatters loudly to the entire neighborhood, as if to tell us โthis is my kingdom, and none dare enter my territory!โ
At first glance, this is a story of a cute little [7 ounces full-grown] rodent with an attitude.ย However, yesterday it occurred to me that King Chip is a model for how to live a life of ACTION and courage.
As I watched him chattering away to no one in particular, I had the following thoughts:
Be confident in your actions.ย When King Chip chatters to the neighborhood, heโs letting everyone know that heโs arrived, heโs claiming his territory, and you better not mess with him. ย ย He chases away other chipmunks, stares down nearby squirrels, and stands tall on his throne of wood to announce his presence.
LESSON #1:ย If you donโt have the confidence to tell the world who you are and what you do, you wonโt be noticed.
Be courageous.ย King Chip doesnโt let his size hold him back.ย Local cats, dogs and hawks, which are much larger, would love to have him for a snack.ย Yet every day, he bravely announces his presence to the world, and goes about his business, ruling his kingdom.
LESSON #2: ย If you donโt exhibit the courage to take action, even in the face of great obstacles, you wonโt succeed.
Be bold.ย Have a grand vision.ย King Chip acts as if the entire yard is his [for all intents and purposes it is, based on all of the holes in the lawn].ย He scurries from the wood pile to the back steps, to the front yard.ย In the process, he has a grand time.ย In a world loaded with predators, he enthusiastically lives his life.
LESSON #3:ย If you donโt liveย life boldly, you canโt live it to the fullest extent.
I donโt know how long King Chip will be around, but I appreciate the example he sets.ย He shows me every day that life is a great adventure, and itโs up to me to make the most of it.ย Thank you, Your Highness, for the reminder.