Annie, the Anxious Antelope

Annie was not like the other antelopes in her herd. While her friends loved to run through the golden grasslands and leap gracefully over streams, Annie always felt a fluttering nervousness deep inside her. What if she tripped? What if a predator was nearby? What if she got lost? These thoughts swirled in her mind every day, making her legs feel wobbly and her heart race.

Her mother always told her, "Annie, you are stronger than you think." But no matter how hard she tried, the worry never seemed to go away.

One day, as Annie stood nervously by the waterhole, an old wise owl named Oliver noticed her. "Why do you look so troubled, little one?" he asked in a gentle voice.

Annie sighed. "I just can’t help but worry about everything, Oliver. I feel scared all the time."

Oliver fluffed his feathers and smiled. "I have something that might help you, Annie. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you."

Annie hesitated but did as he said. She heard the soft rustling of the trees, the distant calls of birds, and the gentle whisper of the wind. For the first time, she felt a tiny moment of peace.

"Your mind is like the wind, Annie," Oliver explained. "Sometimes, it rushes and roars, but other times, it moves gently and calmly. The secret is learning how to guide it."

From that day on, whenever Annie felt anxious, she took a deep breath and listened to the world around her. She learned to trust herself, knowing that she was capable of handling whatever came her way.

Soon, she found herself running with the herd, jumping with joy, and embracing new adventures. Her worries didn’t disappear completely, but now she knew how to calm her mind and take things one step at a time.

And so, Annie, the once anxious antelope, became Annie, the brave and wise—ready to face the world with confidence and courage. 🌿✨