I’ve always been drawn to stories that carry ancient wisdom, and this tale of Ekon, the young elephant, is a favorite.
Deep in the Savanna lived a young elephant named Ekon. He was strong and playful, enjoying his days with his family. But lately, an unease had begun to stir within him. He watched the older elephants, wise and calm, and felt a yearning for something more than just playful days.
One evening, under the vast African sky, Ekon sat beside his grandmother, the matriarch of their herd. “Grandmother,” he trumpeted softly, “I see you guiding our family, making wise decisions. What did you focus on to become so knowledgeable?”
His grandmother looked at him with gentle eyes. “Little one,” she said, her voice like the rustling of ancient leaves, “every elephant has a path to find. For me, it was learning the ancient migratory routes, the hidden watering holes, and the signs of danger. I focused on becoming a protector, a guide.”
Ekon thought about this. He wasn’t sure about migratory routes, but he felt a pull towards protecting the younger calves. He noticed how they sometimes wandered too far and were vulnerable.
“Perhaps,” he thought, “I could focus on keeping our little ones safe. I am strong, and I can watch over them.”
His grandmother nodded. “That is a noble path, Ekon. Focus your energy there. Observe them, learn their ways, and use your strength to ensure their well-being. As you do, you will grow in wisdom and purpose.”
From that day on, Ekon made it his main focus to be a guardian of the young elephants. He stayed close by, nudging them away from potential dangers, sharing his shade during the hottest parts of the day, and alerting the adults if they strayed too far. In doing so, Ekon not only protected the little ones but also began his journey of growth and purpose, just as his grandmother had guided him.
Life’s a journey of small steps and big dreams. At this time, I’m focusing on deepening my resilience, nurturing meaningful connections, and stepping boldly into new professional challenges. And I wonder: What life goals are you hoping to focus on or move toward in the near future? Let’s explore them together.
One of the key factors that motivates people to pursue long-term goals is having a clear and meaningful purpose behind them. Your purpose is the reason why you want to achieve your goal, the value or impact it will have for you or others, and the vision you have for your future.