Thursday, August 29, 2013

#3: If I were a mythological creature...

In the story of my life I am the Mouse Deer. The Mouse Deer is the favorite swindler of Southeast Asia.* He is ant sized in a jungle full of giants. It’s an engulfing feeling that I can relate to when working in groups. I feel outdone by my very capable and bright group members. My group always sees me as “the quiet one.” And I am. I sit back and listen to ideas. I am often that person who will give in to what other people think to keep the group at peace, or keep them moving forward, much like a conciliator or an orienter. This makes me seem complacent and passive often times, but, like the Mouse Deer, I shouldn’t be underestimated as an asset to the group. I am hard working; I’ll do anything required of me, and more, to help the group succeed. I can contribute and offer various ideas as well, just as the Mouse Deer added a new dynamic to the jungle. The predators after the mouse must learn that the smallest and most quiet ones have the loudest minds, in order to stop getting outsmarted by the mouse. I’m not saying, at all, that I’m smarter than the people in my group, but like the mouse, I can add a new perspective and a diligent, unwavering work ethic to the group.

I am also the type that prefers to think a while before I speak. Contemplate the complexity of the situation. I can sit back and be patient while others talk, wait to build on the conversation, much like the Greeks hiding in the Trojan horse who had to be patient and wait for their moment. I note all of what the group says, much like a Secretary, in order to put a deeper and comprehensive thought or thesis together in the end. This doesn’t mean I can’t communicate well with others. I think it’s means just the opposite because I am open to any ideas and seeing where they’ll lead us. Communication and the flowing of ideas are always important, in any situation and I value that collaboration and conversing highly.

So, in the story of my life, I’m not the main character, the person in the spotlight, by any means, but I am always listening, thinking, doing, and contributing to the best of my ability.


*Folktale and summary of it found at Aaron’s World of Stories and used to help in first paragraph. 

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