The idea of the cartoon is extremely simple if you remember that it uses metaphors. The cheese in the book refers to everything that people usually strive for good jobs, money, freedom, health, acceptance, peace of mind, entertainment, and travel. By discovering cheese, the little people found what they thought was an inexhaustible source of happiness. Each person has a different idea of what values are denoted by a piece of cheese, taking their personal desires and cravings into account (Keyvan, 2012). For instance, for Hem finding cheese meant purely material prosperity. For Haw, it was a pleasant sense of well-being. However, people are similar in that they usually get used to and attached to their cheese very soon. However, when they lose it, they panic, get lost and perceive what happened as a stroke of fate. In such situations, people are left with a choice – to accept the circumstances or fight them. The cartoon, it was perfectly demonstrated by contrasting the two main characters.
The phrase that really resonates with me is that those who are not afraid will feel good. Constant fears, especially when there are a lot of them, depress the nervous system, which affects health. Some fears are so great that they lead to a lack of freedom of choice, cowardice, and a desire to stay in their comfort zone. This was demonstrated in the cartoon, where one of the main characters – Hem, was afraid of the difficulties and chose to stay where he was rather than seek his dream. The ability to be one’s true self depends on facing one’s anxiety and moving forward despite the fear. Only someone who knows and has experienced d can cope with it and learn to get rid of it.
When faced with difficult situations, I act more like Haw. Difficulties can certainly weaken me, but I do not get discouraged for long. Hem quickly lost his capacity for rational thought when the cheese was gone. Certainly, Haw also thought a lot about his “cheeseless” situation (Keyvan, 2021). He was suspicious that there was no longer any cheese in the Labyrinth and that it could not be found. But Haw also thought about how long these thoughts had inhibited his actions and made him a coward. This little man regretted the lost time and the late decision to begin his journey in the Labyrinth again. Haw hesitated, unsure whether he wanted to stay or go into the distant unknown. However, with courage, this hero was able to rehabilitate himself after the loss and regain what he wanted. His tremendous inner motivation helped him along the way, and even when it seemed like he could find no more cheese, he still kept moving forward.
The main conclusion that can be drawn from the video is that it is essential to follow dreams, not be afraid, and adapt to change. Moving to a new place, getting fired, getting a divorce – these life changes are not always energizing. For many people, it scares them and prevents them from moving on, but at the same time, change is a new opportunity. To cope with change and adapt to it, people need to accept it as a new lease on life, which is what Haw did when the cheese disappeared. In addition, one should not be afraid of mistakes. They will be another reason to keep going and identify weaknesses and strengths.
References
Keyvan, B. (2012).Who moved my cheese[Video]. YouTube. Web.