Courtesy of Medium: “Story: The Ant and the Chameleon

Once upon a time, in the heart of a vibrant meadow, nestled within the bustling anthill, lived David, a diligent worker ant renowned for his tireless work ethic and unwavering positivity. His reputation shone brightly in the ant community.

In the neighborhood, there resided a cunning and enigmatic chameleon named Samantha. Her vibrant personality was as deceptive as her ability to blend seamlessly with her surroundings. Samantha reveled in her power over others, savoring the moments when she could make them feel small.

She targeted David, tormenting him with relentless mockery, undermining his efforts, and finding amusement in his struggles. Samantha was on a mission to break David’s spirit.

David was entrusted with carrying a massive leaf back to Ant Hill one fateful day. The leaf held the key to the colony’s survival, and David was determined to prove himself. Samantha, however, saw an opportunity to inflict more harm.

With an unsettling grin, she whispered, ‘David, your dedication is commendable.’

David, perplexed by her unexpected praise, hesitated for a moment, not knowing what to expect. In a cruel twist, Samantha snatched the leaf from his grasp and flung it away.

She taunted, ‘Look at you, David! You’ll never match my strength or skills. Why bother trying? Your inner demons will always hold you back.’

David’s heart sank as he struggled to lift the leaf, his self-doubt magnified by Samantha’s cruel words. He felt defeated and vulnerable, and Samantha continued to exploit his inner turmoil with ruthless efficiency.

Desperate to overcome his insecurities, David decided to confront his inner demons. Yet, Samantha, with her cunning nature, whispered self-deprecating thoughts into his mind, intensifying his anxiety.

As David contemplated giving up, a wise elder named Amelia approached. She sensed David’s distress and inquired about his troubles. David confided in her, sharing his self-doubt, the torment inflicted by Samantha, and the leaf’s vital role in the ant hill’s survival.

Amelia listened carefully and then smiled kindly. She said, ‘David, Samantha’s cruelty reflects his insecurities, but the leaf’s importance is real. However, remember what we discussed before Self-as-Context (SAC). SAC is the part of you that observes your thoughts and feelings. It means that you don’t have to believe the hurtful things Samantha says about you. You are not your thoughts or her words. You are the observer, the one who decides how to respond.’

Faced with even greater stakes, David began to see Samantha’s words as fleeting clouds passing by. He realized he had the power to choose whether they affected him. SAC allowed him to focus on the leaf’s significance and his role in Ant Hill, even amidst adversity.

David drew a deep breath and centered himself. He reminded himself of his strengths and his commitment to Ant Hill. He knew he could do this.

With eyes closed, he envisioned himself lifting the leaf, feeling its weight on his back, yet also sensing strength and determination surging within him. As he opened his eyes, he took a resolute step forward.

David carried the leaf toward the ant hill one step at a time, ignoring Samantha’s taunts and remaining focused on his goal. The other ants watched in awe, cheering him on as he entered the colony.

The lesson from David’s journey was clear: We all face challenges and negativity, but tapping into our SAC allows us to observe our thoughts and feelings without being defined. This empowers us to choose how we respond to life’s trials, ultimately allowing us to overcome adversity and achieve our goals.

Self-as-context (SAC) is a core concept in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). This third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on helping people live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

SAC refers to the sense of self as the observer of one’s thoughts, feelings, and sensations. It is the part of us that is aware of our experiences but is not defined by them.”