If you give an inch, they will take a mile...

Welcome to the February edition of my blog!

Check out the answers to January trivia question- Do all animals of the same kind hibernate in winter?

Hibernation is a way to conserve energy when the surrounding temperature is too low for normal activity and food availability. There are true hibernators who maintain minimal metabolism and drop their body temperature and can stay in a state of sleep for days or weeks. The rest have adopted to conserve energy e.g. Cold-blooded reptiles rely on the environment to regulate their temperature and some hide in burrows. Animals within the same species also have different hibernation trends due to age and environmental factors.

This month's Story…

The saying “If you give an inch, they will take a mile” summarizes a vital lesson often taught in high school experience: the significance of establishing clear boundaries in relationships, interactions, or negotiations. Without these boundaries, individuals may take advantage of any concessions granted.

This lesson reminds me of a childhood story about an Arab and his camel. In the arid Sahara desert, a nomad traveled with his trusty camel. As night descended, he decided to set up camp in a tent. The desert turned bitterly cold, and a fierce sandstorm raged outside. Observing the nomad sleeping peacefully inside the tent, the camel felt neglected and exposed to the elements. Gathering courage, the camel asked if he could place his face inside the tent to escape the blinding sandstorm. Compassionate toward his loyal companion, the nomad agreed.

As the night wore on and the cold intensified, the camel grew bolder. Feeling chilled on the sides, he requested permission to slide further into the tent. Again, moved by pity, the nomad acquiesced. However, the camel’s audacity knew no bounds. He eventually attempted to squeeze his entire back into the tent, causing it to collapse. Both the camel and the nomad were left exposed to the raging sandstorm, learning a harsh lesson about boundaries.

Similar lessons resonate throughout life. Human nature often drives us to seize opportunities for personal gain. In such situations, assertiveness becomes invaluable. We must communicate our boundaries firmly, avoiding excessive accommodation that might inadvertently invite further exploitation. Realistic expectations and clear limits are essential for maintaining healthy relationships and interactions.

Desert Facts

• 1/5th of Earth Land Area is covered by Deserts.
• Deserts receive scanty rainfall~10 inches per year.
• Desert present harsh climate conditions to humans and animals alike, however some adaptations are present.

Did you know ?

• Camels can close their nostrils during sandstorms, so that sand does not go inside their nose. They can also breathe through their lips and their anatomy prevents sand from entering lungs.
• Camels have two rows of eyelashes that keep the sand out of their eyes, and also help keep the surface of the eye moist.
• They have three eyelids that allow them to see with their eyes closed, and act like a windshield wiper to remove sand.
• Padded feet and thick skin-Camels have wide and thick pads on their feet that help them walk easily on the sand and protect them from the heat. They also have big bodies and low metabolic rates that help them stay grounded and cool during strong winds.

We hope you had a good time reading it!