The lion appears as a seemingly fearless creature. So beautiful from afar, with its unique mane outlining it's face, gallantly parading around the forest. Each step the large creature takes is bold and thoughtful, making the leaves from underneath only crumble. For he is the Lion, the strength of the forest and all the creatures around know it. Mostly he is quiet, walking casually around, but often he stops, glancing from side to side, letting out a roar. He roars loudly, his voice echoing off the trees, as the other smaller creatures peer from behind bushes. They watch in awe, not in fear, and envy his strength and the ability to do it all alone.

Who is this Lion, you ask? And how does it relate to you? We all have experienced at one time or another, a person in our life who lives like that of a lion. Youve certainly seen them around, with their head held high as they parade through their life. They appear confident and solid as if no one near them can rattle their strength. Often disguised as cocky or arrogant, we tend to look at them admiringly, yearning for a small taste of whatever it is they have.

But what goes on inside the lion's head? What happens when the sun goes down and no other small creatures are watching? No one really knows, because of the darkness of the night, but perhaps the night is when the truth unfolds. The truth that even the lion could use a small friend from the forest.

Its a familiar joke about how men wont ask for directions, but why would someone rather drive by four gas stations, run into several dead-ends and even be late for an appointment, rather than ask for help? The Lion. The Lion is strong while the sun is bright, confident about who he is and not in need of help. Yet beneath the surface, the yearning for help is there just as it is in everyone else. Recently I spoke with a friend in the middle of a life crisis, who desperately wanted to reach out to someone in his life with his story. As he role played actually calling someone and sharing his weakness, I could feel his pain, yet his desire to be strong as well. Half way through the role-play, he stopped and began to cry.

I cant do this, he said. Im the lion...the strong one. No one can handle my breakdown.

There was no humor in his voice, though, as this was truly how he had defined himself. How could he now ruin all that he had worked for? Who would he be if he wasnt that person? I believe that thats the danger of being the Lion; of consistently defining yourself as the pillar of strength that the creatures in the forest need. It comes from the belief that needing help is a sign of weakness, when actually it takes great strength to rise above and know that you need help. I have seen these Lions hit the ground with a crashing halt; suffering in abusive relationships, struggling with addictions, or simply feeling stuck in their life, but unable to ask for help.

To the Lions I say, Let them see you sweat, then ask for help. The worst thing that could happen is that someone will see your need for help. Most likely they will feel relieved that you also have moments in need of a hand. Most likely they will be relieved to see that you are human, just like they are.

So go aheadbe the Lion, but ask for help along the way, because even the lion could use the strength of what the other forest creatures could offer!