"Sometimes you have to be a lion so you can be the lamb you really are."

Life's a bit of a balancing act, isn't it? You know, navigating between being fierce and being gentle. That's the essence of what we're diving into here. Picture this: To truly embrace your softer side, there are moments when you need to unleash your inner lion. It sounds a bit paradoxical, right? But stick with me.

Imagine you’re at work. You've got this big project that requires you to step up, lead, and maybe even ruffle a few feathers. You don't always like being that person—the one who has to push, maybe even be a bit aggressive. But you do it because that’s what the job demands. And once that task is done, once you've achieved what you set out to do, you can relax and be that kind, supportive colleague you naturally are. You needed to be assertive, perhaps even fierce, to create a space where your true, gentler self can thrive.

Historically, think about leaders like Nelson Mandela. He’s often seen as this figure of peace and reconciliation. But there were times in his life when he had to stand firm, even show a bit of a lion’s roar to fight against the injustice of apartheid. He spent 27 years in prison—27 years!—a testament to his inner strength and determination. Yet, this fierceness didn’t contradict his nature. It enabled him to later lead with kindness, humility, and forgiveness.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Think of a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet. This person might have to be tough at work, maybe even take on a third job during the holiday season. It’s exhausting, but they do it for their kids. And after all the hustle and grind, they come home and transform. They read bedtime stories, kiss scraped knees, and offer endless love and support. The lion's strength creates a safe space for the lamb to flourish.

So, how do you apply this idea? First, recognize when to tap into your inner lion. It’s not about being aggressive all the time, but about knowing when to stand your ground, assert your needs, or protect your boundaries. Trust that this strength serves a purpose—it creates the conditions where you can safely and fully be your gentle, genuine self.

Next, give yourself permission to switch roles. Don’t get stuck thinking you always have to be one or the other. Life’s not that black and white. Embrace the duality. Cultivating this balance can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself.

Imagine a scenario: You’re at a family gathering, and there’s a heated discussion brewing. Your natural inclination might be to keep the peace, avoid conflict. But maybe this time, you speak up. You assert your opinion respectfully but firmly. The immediate aftermath might be tense, but over time, people come to respect you more. And because you set those boundaries, future gatherings are less stressful, allowing you to enjoy them more fully and be your kind, loving self.

So, take a deep breath. Sometimes you’ve got to roar to protect the peace where your true self lives. It’s not about changing who you are—it’s about embracing all the parts of you. Be the lion when you need to be, so you can be the lamb you truly are.