A Lesson from My Three Weeks in Florida—How To Be an Alligator

I recently spent three weeks in Tampa, Florida, a place I generally don't love, except for a select few favorite spots. Honestly, I was dragging my feet and not very excited. But one weekend, I explored the enchanting yet eerie St. Augustine.

On my first full day, I thought I had planned everything, but the universe had different ideas, leading me to visit the Alligator Farm. I wasn’t keen on going, but apparently, I needed to visit. But why, you may ask? Well, it’s because I have seen enough gators in my life, and though they are great in their own way, I’m not a gator girl.

While exploring and observing the animals, I fixated on an area with at least 30 gators. It was around nine in the morning.; the sun was hot, and the humidity was thick, Yet, the gators lay there undisturbed, basking in the cool sand, hardly moving. They seemed to enjoy a slow, peaceful morning.

I realize now that their stillness wasn’t because they wanted a calm morning. Watching them, it struck me—something I hadn’t felt in years since returning to my demanding job. My one-year break from work helped me recover from the stress of my mom’s health issues and a toxic workplace. Initially, I was annoyed by a contract starting at 9 am because I disliked ending at five, even working remotely. I prefer a 7-3 or 6:30-2:30 schedule.

But during those months in a job I was new to, I woke up naturally, made healthy breakfasts, and walked 45 minutes to an hour before starting work. I also worked out, prepared nutritious lunches, and gradually eased the stress I’d carried for nearly two years.

Watching the gators lying there still inspired a sense of wonder. Maybe not a renewal, but it made me think: how can I be like a gator? How can I rest and just be? And when is it right to “attack”?

As I wandered around, I saw a bird walking over a gator. I began filming, made a sarcastic comment, and shared it with friends: “You all wondering about me traveling solo—at least I am not walking on a gator.”

I wondered how the gator let the bird walk over without snapping at it. It made me realize I often let many things walk all over me—and I’ve been fighting more than I should, which has sometimes been helpful but lately not so much. How does this gator just allow something to walk all over it and remain calm? It’s another lesson from an animal I usually don’t connect with.

I should be more like a gator—calm, relaxed, enjoying the sun, attacking only when necessary and when I have strength.

This reminds me of a story from two years ago about slow mornings and perspectives. I was camping with an ex at Shenandoah National Park, and he surprised me by remembering I wanted to see the sunset. We went, and he drove us to a pullout overlooking the mountains.

Sitting on my Yeti with a beer, I looked out and thought, “This is what life is about.” These slow nights or mornings, filled with peace and awe, are what society needs more of—not just during vacations.

My ex told me, “That’s not life—everyday life. You must work, attend meetings, do chores—this is just a treat.” At that moment, I sensed our relationship wouldn't last. I had already known that long before, but hearing it confirmed he wasn’t the one.

I believe we need more slow mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Though they may look different, we should try to find more moments of peace. But how do you manage that if you're waking at 5 am, hitting snooze multiple times because neither you nor your body wants to get up early? Still, it's necessary to avoid nearly two hours of traffic daily.

How can you balance work and life, prioritizing what matters in this new chapter? All I know is that I, and the world, need to be more like an alligator—to slow down, not push every day. Life is stressful, and bad days happen, but they tend to worsen when we don’t take breaks. I’m not talking about holidays, but about resisting the constant urge to do more and fight.

How about you? Have you ever had an unexpected realization on a solo trip? Or learned something from an animal? Share your story comments!