You've probably heard the story that if you put a frog in a bowl of water and gradually heat the water, the frog will initially adjust to the slowly rising temperature, finding the environment pleasantly warm. Later, as the water starts to boil, the frog, unable to control its body temperature, will attempt to escape the bowl. However, by then, the frog has lost all strength and cannot flee. It succumbs to the boiling water, doing nothing to save itself and remain alive.
This story, I suppose, could easily serve as a parable for ourselves, reflecting our work habits, our way of life, and our attitude towards the environment in which we live. When adversity creeps in slowly, we often fail to notice the change. We become comfortable and adapt. Slow change elicits no reaction from us, and we do not resist it. We overlook the subtle shifts. Consequently, we may fall victim to the "frog in boiling water" syndrome, be it in the workplace, in family dynamics, in friendships and romantic relationships, or even within society and the state.
Hence, it is crucial to keep our eyes open and assess our desires consciously. We must perceive events deliberately and make judgments about our trajectory. By doing so, we can direct our attention to our circumstances. We must remember that sometimes, we need to assert ourselves and declare "enough is enough" to maintain equilibrium. We should know what to expect from others and from ourselves. Only then can we elevate the quality of our lives to a higher standard.
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