Are you a Red Panda or a Firefox?
Posted by Nicole on January 31, 2014
photo from (http://lookw.ru/eda/106-koaly-i-krasnye-pandy-46-oboev.html)
Do you know what this animal is called?
The scientific name: Ailurus fulgens
In most zoos these animals are labelled as “Red Panda” or “Cat-Bear”.
Red Panda… this name conjures up certain images in our heads. Images of cuddles and fur, cuteness and sweetness, like the best pet you will never have. You’d definitely offer to hug a Red Panda. I’d build a tree in my bedroom just to have Red Pandas sleep on it all day.
http://lookw.ru/eda/106-koaly-i-krasnye-pandy-46-oboev.html
Red Panda
Cute, Cuddly, Sweet, Safe
*****
Names matter. What we label something gives it meaning and subtext. It changes how we treat it. Language is subconsciously very powerful.
This animal has another name: Firefox
Photo from http://lookw.ru/eda/106-koaly-i-krasnye-pandy-46-oboev.html
Now that’s an animal worth closer attention. A Firefox is handsome, beautiful, mysterious. You respect a Firefox. You do not own a firefox; she allows you into her presence.
Firefox
Brave, Mysterious, Beautiful, Wild
*****
Are you a Red Panda or a Firefox?
You get to choose. The world does not get to decide for you who you are. This crazy zoo may call you a Red Panda, but you know in your soul you are a Firefox – and a Firefox does not give a damn what anyone else thinks.
Note: Jeff Corwin taught me that scientists have tried to categorize these animals into a larger group, but they defy categorization. They are not raccoons, cats, or bears. They are their own category. You can be your own category. You do not have to fit into the box others have assigned to you. People will try to fit you into something they know how to handle. Don’t worry about them. Just keep being your own foxy self.
Be the kind of parent you want to be.
Be the kind of spouse you want to be.
Be the kind of human you want to be.
Be the kind of beauty you want to be.
Be the kind of lover you want to be.
*****
Newell Hendricks said
Such wonderful words of advice, and so well applied to so many aspects of our lives.
Nicole said
Thank you, Newell. Yes. I am trying to apply this to all areas of my life.
May said
Such a great perspective! Also, I love the photos you used and how you used them, especially the last one! *RAR* 😉
Nicole said
Thanks! I love these animals so much. Finding hidden meanings and applications in God’s creation…. that is my JAM.
Joann said
<3 Love! I'm going with Firefox!
Cara Strickland said
Love this, Nicole. (And I’m with Newell, so many applications).
Amy said
Just told Siri to “call me Firefox”. She said it has a nice ring to it. Thanks for the inspiring words.
Nicole said
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. I want to be called Firefox all the time.
rachel lee said
this is amazing.
firefox. this sent shivers up and down my spine. there is nothing quite like being told that I’m supposed to be a red panda, demure and cuddly, the kind that everyone wants to hug…that the firefox inside me needs to be silent.
I don’t want that firefox to only be allowed out when the bedroom door is closed. I want to be HER…ME…all the time.
Nicole said
Rachel, yes! “I don’t want that firefox to only be allowed when the bedroom door is closed.” AMEN.