On Eating Elephants
#163
Friend,
I’m sure you’ve heard it, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
I’ve used that phrase before. I love the visual of the phrase, but I still have a few questions about it.
Who’s eating an elephant?
What if you don’t like the taste of elephant?
(For the record, I have no idea what elephant tastes like, nor is it on my (admittedly very small) list of foods to try.)
It’s one thing to have a big project ahead (starting college, raising kids, remodeling a house) that you are looking forward to, and you enjoy. It’s a whole other thing to have a big project ahead (getting a divorce, caring for aging parents, opening up an old wound in counseling) that you know you have to do, but it will not be enjoyable.
If you don’t like the taste of elephant, and you have to eat an elephant, what do you do?
Season it. While doing the big, hard thing, remember to do the small, enjoyable things.
Share it. Every superhero movie always has a team of people who help him or her save the world. You can make room at the table for people to help you.
See it. The elephant may taste terrible, but the project can have a purposeful outcome or a purposeful process, transforming you along the journey.
If you need someone to eat an elephant with you, then let me know. I don’t love the taste of elephant, but I’ll love sharing a table with you.
Love,
Aaron
P.S. Know someone who needs to hear this? I’d love for you to share this with them.