Choosing Your Path: The Jungle of Freedom or the Zoo of Comfort

Once, not too long ago, I asked myself: "Are you living or existing?"

I looked at myself in the mirror and asked myself. I stared into my eyes and sought an answer. I'm not quite sure I got it. Rather, I'm confident I answered: "I'm just existing."

This is both a painful and powerful confession to make. Especially, to oneself. But, honesty provides clarity and focus.

As a result, I began to think, plan, and do.

"People either survive in the jungle or exist in a zoo. Few recognize the significance between the two." - Stanley Johnston, The Gentleman

Here are my lessons:

Accept challenges for growth

Value freedom over comfort

Seek purpose beyond survival

Accept Challenges for Growth

When I first heard the quote above, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I began to question my existence up to this point in my life.

After reflecting on my life, successes, and failures, I was able to put something together:

Face the wild with courage. The wild is unpredictable and there are always things happening in my life that I don't see coming. In a sense, I failed to predict them and thus prepare. I still have to face whatever "the wild" throws my way, though. In doing so, I develop strength and resilience. These challenges teach me a very valuable lesson.

Learn and adapt. To survive in the jungle, I have to adapt. I can't do the same thing over and over again. It's not going to work after a while. There are too many factors to consider. In life, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. It's an opportunity to sharpen my instincts and become more capable.

Forge my character. Adversity brings out anyone's character. I'm no different. The difficulties in my life build a strong and resilient character. In short, I can learn to handle anything thrown my way.

"Once more into the fray...

Into the last good fight I'll ever know.

Live and die on this day...

Live and die on this day." - John Ottoway (Liam Nesson), The Grey

Value Freedom Over Comfort

Following the quote above, the zoo provides comfort compared to the jungle. But the jungle provides freedom compared to the zoo.

I have a lot more choices in the jungle. I don't have that many in a zoo.

Every animal in a zoo cannot go back into the wild. They will likely not survive. This fear by humans keeps the animals from living their purpose. I'm no different.

I must choose my purpose and my true self. I must choose to be authentic in the way of living my life. This is not easy and thus, it becomes a challenge to live this way.

That challenge alone excites me or freaks me out. Either way, it's a good sign that I'm down the right path.

I have to risk something to gain something. This is like Thanos trading Gamora for the soul stone in Avengers: Infinity War. Thanos knew what he needed to do and he chose to do anyway. His purpose was greater than his love for Gamorra.

Of course, I'm not suggesting you throw a loved one down a precipice for your purpose. The point is that you have to make a sacrifice to achieve your purpose.

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

Seek Purpose Beyond Survival

The majority of people around me survive every day rather than thrive. By no means do I say I'm thriving. At least, not yet. My mindset is thriving, though. I'm taking one action at a time toward that reality.

This is all about finding one's purpose. True living happens when you pursue a purpose that aligns with your values.

In my case, I value respect, dignity, and trust. This translates into serving others.

I want to persist, thrive, and succeed. I don't just want to exist.

"Those who cling to life die, and those who defy death live." - John Wick (Keanu Reeves) & Caine (Donnie Yen), John Wick 4

Conclusion

I have concluded that life offers you two paths: the jungle or the zoo. In other words, you either work for your dream or continue to work for someone else's dream.

The choice is still yours, though.

"The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time." - Jack London

If you like this story, here are more resources for you:

The 4-Hour Workweek

Mans' Search for Meaning

The War of Art

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