The Shark and the Goldfish: Positive Ways to Thrive During Waves of Change

Stay Positive

After writing notes on the rocks, Gordy swam in search of food. He found a morsel here and a morsel there, but nothing of substance. He remembered what Sammy had taught him. He was in control of his thoughts and actions, and so he kept swimming and hoping that he would find some food soon. But he couldn’t help but consider that perhaps all the food in the ocean was gone for the day. Maybe all the other fish had taken their share and now there was nothing left for him. To make matters worse, the other fish laughed at Gordy as he swam past them. “Look at the goldfish trying to be a shark,” they jeered. “Good luck finding some food. You’re in way over your head. You’ll never make it here. It’s too hard. You don’t have the skills needed to make it in the ocean. Go back to your fishbowl,” they shouted.

Gordy felt defeated. Maybe they were right. Sure, he could choose to be a shark, embrace change, and take positive actions, but maybe he just wasn’t cut out for the business of finding food. Maybe it was beyond him. Maybe dreams and destinies were meant for others, but not for fish like him. Maybe his destiny was to be in a fishbowl or wilt away in the ocean. He cried himself to sleep that night with an empty stomach and a mind full of doubt.

The next morning Gordy woke up early and went searching for food. He still had a glimmer of hope that he would find some and that Sammy would have some answers. Thankfully, there was more food in the ocean than there had been yesterday. ...