What is your favorite animal?
My favorite animal is the sloth. Yes, the creature that makes snails look like Olympic sprinters. I am aware of how that sounds, and I stand by it. Sloths are seriously underrated. They have life figured out in a way that we caffeine-fueled, deadline-driven humans can only dream of.
First of all, they are masters of energy conservation. Forget electric cars and solar panels. The sloth has perfected the art of doing absolutely nothing. While the rest of us are being told to hustle, grind and “lean in,” the sloth is up in the canopy saying, “No, thank you. I’m good.” I respect that enormously.
Secondly, they are champions of camouflage. Forget expensive designer clothes. The sloth wears the ultimate in sustainable fashion, which is fur with algae growing on it. It blends in with the surroundings, it is low maintenance, and it has never once needed dry cleaning.
And finally, they are undeniably adorable. The big, round eyes. The slow, deliberate smile. They are little furry yogis, reminding us all to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life, such as hanging upside down from a tree for 20 hours a day.
So my spirit animal is not the most glamorous or exciting choice. But life seems to be stuck on fast-forward, and there is something to be said for the sloth approach. Now, if you will excuse me, I feel inspired to take a nap.
