3 Life Lessons From A Little Ant

Each day I leave my Airbnb and enjoy a 20 minute walk to Rrom Coworking Center. I don’t have a bike or car, so automatically living in Merida, Mexico is increasing my daily exercise. I also don’t feel the sense of urgency that runs rampant in the United States. This slowing down effect gave me the opportunity to stop along my walk and, literally, smell the flowers.

Ducks in Merida, Mexico

Halfway through my route, I see ducks hanging out in a front yard. I stop to enjoy the view, look down and see an ant carrying part of a flower. I don’t know if it’s because of all the turmoil I’m currently going through right now or because I’m feeling in limbo about how I want to move forward with living in Mexico, but seeing that ant moved my soul. I stayed and watched it for about 5 minutes, and here’s the lessons I learned from that little ant:

The Little Ant named Marley in Merida, Mexico

1. You’re Stronger Than You Know

Marley (yep, I just decided that’s the ant’s new name) was carrying something much bigger than his tiny body. She wasn’t shaking under the weight. She didn’t stop to put the flower down and give up. I’d like to imagine it’s because Marley knew her strength.

2. Avoid Distractions

Did you watch the video? Notice how Marley is focused on her designated route. Cracks in the concrete and leaves on the ground don’t distract her from the end goal. It always feel like, at least in my life, every time I get excited and ready to be focused on my goals, there’s a multitude of distractions slapping me in the face. Marley reminds me I have a choice. I can run into the distraction or avoid it.

3. You Were Made For This

Let’s be honest. The only reason I was so surprised to see a little ant carrying a big piece of flower is because I had never seen it before. But Marley? She wasn’t surprised at all. She knew all along what she was made for and that everything about how she was created allowed her to fulfill her destiny.

When I looked at Marley, I felt empowered. In that moment I needed to see that little ant. It gave me strength to allow myself to feel all the ups and downs of my life and still keep my faith that everything will work together for my good.

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