What We Can Learn from Alligators

What We Can Learn from Alligators

Instead of fleeing in abject fear every time alligators nibble on our kneecaps, let’s take a moment to see what we can learn from these amazing man-eating predators. And then flee in abject fear. 

Conserve Your Energy

Alligators look lazy, because they appear to lounge around a lot. Of course, no one with half a brain, or the longing to live, would dare say so to a gator’s face. Not more than once anyway. Instead of wasting our time and energy worrying about things that don’t matter. We need to focus on what’s most important to us. Decide what you want to attain; and then concentrate your efforts on that. Don’t lie around in a hammock all day. But don’t try to accomplish so much, that you wear yourself out; and wind up accomplishing quite little. Also, go green, turn off lights, water, appliances, etc. when no longer in use. Conserve your energy and your resources. 

Plan Ahead

When alligators get hungry, they can’t pop something into the microwave or pour a bowl of cereal. Sure, à la Bruce the shark in “Jaws”, if an unsuspecting skinny dipper swims their way at the beginning of a horror movie, they’ll enjoy the midnight snack. But that never happens enough. Thus, they need to plan ahead for their meals. Prepare. Think of what you need before you need it, so you’ll have what you need when you need it. 

Be Patient

Alligators can’t pull their SUVs up to drive-thru windows to get fast food. (For obvious reasons: They don’t own SUVs, can’t drive, and don’t carry credit cards or cash. Which seems ironic since their skin is made out of wallets.) Thus, when they get a hankering for duck à l’orange. (Or whatever color fowl they can find. Gators aren’t prejudiced. Except against Seminoles and Bulldogs. But even then, that doesn’t mean they don’t love to eat them.) These large reptiles are too big, too menacing, to barge over unnoticed. Since most creatures don’t want to be eaten, they flee at the sight of hungry predators. Especially large reptilian ones. (T-Rex did a number on us all where we can’t forget!) So these large lumbering lizards must sneak up on their prey slowly. Ever so slowly. Wait. Rushing can cause you to make mindless mistakes. 

Blend into Your Surroundings

Obviously, most of nature, not counting folks who find cow-tipping to be the height of culture, will flee from rows of hungry teeth, regardless of how slow they move. Thus, alligators must pretend to be driftwood. Logs adrift garner less fright than pouncing gators with their salivating mouths wide open. Especially since they don’t floss and often wreak of bad breath. Notice what’s around you. How can you use that to your advantage? No need to become noticed, until you’re ready. 

Become a Powerful Force

Once alligators draw close enough to their prey, they strike with a quick burst of fury, exuding a power so forceful that only zigzagging or belly-rubbing can stop them. Or a bazooka. Or an H-bomb. But that’s a bit excessive. 

Conserve your energy. Plan ahead. Be patient. Blend into your surroundings. Once you’re in position, give your tasks all you’ve got to attain your goals. Achieve your desires with relentless fury. 

Thank you alligators for the helpful advice. Now please don’t eat us; and we’ll try not to turn you into wallets, purses, and boots. 

Cool deal? 

Blessings & Joy,

Dean Burkey