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Cheetah Spirit

 



Cheetah Spirit


Seeing cheetahs anytime in the bush is a rare experience. But, seeing eight of them at once is a moment so magical I thought I had entered a world where dreams come true. 


Recently, someone in our game vehicle shouted quietly, “Look, a cheetah!” And another shouted, “Look, look, they are all around us.”  And I looked to my left, and one was at eye level with me hanging out on a fallen tree trunk. We quietly watch the mother and seven almost grown cubs amble slowly into the bush and out of sight for a couple of minutes. Speechless and in awe, we trundled on, filled with emotion at the beautiful sight of these endangered cats. 


Every animal has its own beauty, but the cheetah, with tears streaming from its cinnamon-colored eyes, is the most stunning creature in the African landscape. Like most cats, domestic or wild, they are elegant, stealth, and independent. They don’t hang around in a herd, like antelopes and elephants, nor do they seek the company of other animals. Sure, the males like to hang around each other, forming a coalition, but not the females who mate and then move on to birth and raise their cubs alone.


Speed and cleverness are their superpowers. Lack of strength is their weakness. When they make their kills, they must be watchful because they can’t fight off the big cats, hungry hyenas, or wild dogs, which will sweep in with ferocity and steal the meal. If the cheetahs don’t run, they die!


As I prepare for my departure from South Africa and full-time teaching, I need to have the spirit of these gorgeous felines who are patient, adaptable, focused, and can shift course in mid-air when pursuing their next meal.


These beauties are patient, adaptable, and incredibly focused when seeking opportunities. 

#cheetahlove #cheetahs #writing #personalessay #lastmonthsinsouthafrica #retirement #adaptability #opportunity #perserverence #ilovethebush


  

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