The donkey is not usually one of our favourite animals or pets. As a matter of fact, it is one of those animals often looked down upon, and used as a beast of burden. Sometimes a stupid or inept person is referred to as a donkey. However, a donkey is not as stupid as we are made to believe. The donkey in the story you’re about to read offers us the panacea for handling the challenges that we are likely to encounter not only in our work environment, but also in life, and how to deal with them.
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
LESSON No. 1
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up
LESSON No.2
Sometimes the work environment can be hostile. But it’s up to you how you deal with it. You must know how to turn your trials into stepping-stones, your walls into bridges to cross over and your lemons into lemonade to refresh your spirit.
LESSON No.3
Like the donkey in this story, people may want to get rid of you in your place of work because they think you’re too ‘old’ and have nothing more to give. How you react to this will determine the course of the rest of your life. You might see it as a much longed-for opportunity to do the things you’ve always wanted to do, or you can go down the drain of depression or hopelessness, because you feel you’ve reached the end of the ‘road’.
LESSON No.4
It doesn't matter what people think about you. It's what you think about yourself and your capabilities that count. Although the donkey in the story was considered ‘old’ and of no use, it still had enough strength to shake off the heavy loads of sand shoveled on it. No one can tell you it’s over unless you say that to yourself.
LESSON No.5
Donkeys help people bear their burdens; hence they are referred to as ‘beasts of burden’. Be a bearer of people's burdens. Don't close your eyes to the needs of others, when you're in a position to help them. The joy of living is knowing that you put a smile on someone else’s face, or made a difference in the life of another person. Life is too short! Make the most of every opportunity you have to bless others.
LESSON No.6
There are many instances in the Bible where reference is made to a donkey:
- God spoke to a great prophet (Balaam) through a donkey. Well, the donkey was not afraid to speak when instructed to do so.
Don’t be afraid to speak when you need to. There’s a time to speak and a time to be silent. Know when to do either.
- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He could have ridden on any other animal. The interesting thing about this particular donkey is the fact that no one had ever ridden on it. Was it abandoned? Ignored? Considered useless? Well, there are people who are treated that way in life. Nevertheless, when it’s your time to shine, no one can stop you. In fact, you will end up a celebrity, and come out of obscurity. The evidence is there before our very eyes: Britain’s Got Talent, X-Factor and other talent shows are bringing people out of obscurity. No one can write you off, except yourself.
LESSON No.7
Attitude is every thing. Imagine if the donkey in this story did not have the right attitude. It wouldn’t be alive. No matter how deep the ‘well’ is that you fall into (whether it’s sickness, financial crisis, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, etc.), you can come out of it, if you only have the right attitude. It is often said that ‘your attitude is your best friend, or your worst enemy’. It is important to always maintain the right attitude either in the workplace or in life, no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. How many people do you know who lost their jobs, positions or opportunities in life because of a wrong attitude?
LESSON No.8
Donkeys are very unassuming animals. They are not puffed up or proud. In fact, they are selfless. Isn’t it said that ‘pride goes before a fall’? It’s always important to maintain a healthy disposition in life. Humility and the right attitude will get you anywhere. No one wants to be around an arrogant or proud person. No matter who you are, and where you are, don’t forget to stay humble, and remember that no condition is permanent.
As an enthusiast and expert in animal behavior, symbolism, and life lessons drawn from various narratives, I find the use of the donkey in the provided story intriguing. Donkeys, often considered beasts of burden, hold a unique place in cultural narratives and literature. Let me delve into the concepts embedded in this story and draw connections to broader themes:
1. Animal Symbolism:
- The donkey is portrayed as a resilient and intelligent creature, challenging the common perception of it being stupid. This challenges stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of not underestimating individuals or situations based on preconceived notions.
2. Resilience and Perseverance:
- The central theme revolves around the donkey's ability to endure hardship and adversity. The donkey's response to the challenges—shaking off the dirt and stepping up—symbolizes resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of difficulties.
3. Workplace Challenges:
- The narrative extends the donkey's story to the challenges faced in the workplace. It emphasizes the need to turn trials into stepping-stones, suggesting that setbacks can be opportunities for personal and professional growth.
4. Self-Perception and Capabilities:
- The donkey's ability to shake off the burden imposed by others underscores the importance of self-perception and belief in one's capabilities. This lesson encourages individuals to define their worth rather than letting external opinions dictate their value.
5. Empathy and Altruism:
- The reference to donkeys as "beasts of burden" draws a parallel to the concept of helping others bear their burdens. This lesson encourages empathy and altruism, emphasizing the joy that comes from making a positive impact on others' lives.
6. Biblical References:
- The mention of donkeys in biblical stories, such as God speaking through a donkey and Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, adds a layer of spiritual significance. It suggests that even humble and overlooked individuals can play crucial roles in significant events.
7. Timing and Opportunities:
- The story implies that everyone has their moment to shine, and individuals should not allow themselves to be written off. This aligns with the idea that timing and seizing opportunities can lead to unexpected success.
8. Attitude and Humility:
- The donkey's attitude is highlighted as a crucial factor in its survival. This lesson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of challenges and the value of humility in personal and professional interactions.
In conclusion, this story beautifully weaves together themes of resilience, self-perception, empathy, spirituality, and the significance of attitude and humility. It serves as a powerful metaphor for navigating life's challenges and finding opportunities for growth and success in unexpected places.
