Welcome back everyone! I know this is the post you've all been waiting for. Please share your reflections on Who Moved My Cheese. Your reflections should be substantially longer than those for Not Counting Women and Children. Happy posting! Peace.
The story "Who Moved My Cheese" is a profound lesson written as a child-like story. After reading the whole adventure of the four characters, I’ve decided that I’m the most like Sniff, though of course I have a little of Scurry and Haw in me as well. It might sound like denial, but I don’t see any Hem in me. Of course I like having cheese and don’t want it to go away, but I can accept reality quickly after hawing once or twice. “The more important your cheese is to you the more you want to hold on to it.” This may be true, but I feel that quote doesn’t hold as much power as “if you do not change, you can become extinct.” You never truly found out what happened to Hem, but if he didn’t finally except reality, then he would have become physically extinct. On the other hand, Sniff was prepared for the cheese to end because he was aware of everything around him. I might not always be aware, but I try my hardest to “smell the cheese” every once in a while to make sure it hasn’t become rotten. Sniff is the leader of the two mice, but scurry was just as important. They worked as a team, something that is sometimes required in order to make things work. Haw unfortunately doesn’t have a teammate, but he does have the courage to move pass his fear. I’m scared of a lot, but I feel that fear makes you search even harder, not less. There are exceptions, but as haw wrote, it’s safer to move on than to stay put with nothing left. None of the characters did anything to deserve the cheese, so they have no right to be angry when it’s gone. I hope to deserve all the cheese I get in the future, and not ignore the signs of the cheese disappearing. Nathan brought up a good point when he said, “so you thought your old Cheese was your only Cheese.” I’ve always known what I wanted to do as a career, but now I’m considering other Cheeses to see which tastes the best. As for now, I’ll just go with the quote, “Move With The Cheese And Enjoy It.”
I had heard about the story of "Who Moved My Cheese" because many people including my father read it and really enjoyed it. I didn't understand how they could like it so much when it seemed like such a little-kid book; it didn't make sense to me that it could actually have a good and mature message in such a common and easy way alomost like How to deal with change for dummies. I realized the metaphors right away and although I know that one point or another I am all four of those characters I think that in those momnets of my life that there has been great change I have mostly acted like Haw. Most of the time I don't act like Sniff in the way that I don't realize the change little by little; I don't usually look at details and am many times thinking about so many things at once that I dont pay too much attention to what is going on around me. I am one that does not getting out of my comfort zone. Of course you have noticed this with LIFE and giving talks and being outspoken, so I would say I am not like Scurry that take schange as it comes as if it were nothing and continue through life just through a different route. I beleive I am like Haw because at times I know I could be a bit naive. He was naive when he really didn't want to notice that the cheese was being used up little by little, not that it just disappeared overnight. I am overtaken by shock at first ao I dont immediately move on because I am also stubborn and try to solve the problem to get things back to how they were before. But from past experiences it doesn't take me too long to realize that nothing will get better by me just lingering around feeling pity for myself because I am only hurting myself. I have seen other people around me that do sit around moping about their problems. I've learned that they are only problems if you treat them like it. You could easily make something simpler if you take the detour because there is always a way around everything. I liked everything that Haw put on the walls but the quote that I liked the most was "When you move beyond your fear, you feel free" I think that this quote mostly applies to me because that is the hardest thing for me. But the times that I have moved beyond my fear, I have felt invincible.
This story "Who Moved My Cheese" is very profound, a lesson none the less written as a child-like story like erika expland in her enterduction. Hem was a type pf charicter that likes to day dream and does not take reality seriuslly like a teenage boy who loves to sit home and play viedo games all day even though we dont find out what happed to Hem like erika said if he didnt take reality seriously he will become extinct.I think this bout far the best book i have ever read this year.
Before I even started reading the book, I read the back and all the reviews that this book received and that made me kind of eager to read it. It seems like a big deal so I was excited to read. Aside from the actual story itself, I really enjoyed reading the little commentaries at the beginning and end of the book. I liked reading about how others felt about the book, and some of their feelings I could relate to. I also enjoyed reading the actual story because it was written so simple and basic but had so much meaning to it. It was a good story that presents a serious situation in a cute way.
Although I am not officially an adult, I feel that this story can relate to anyone and everyone, not just successful business people. Of the four characters in "Who Moved My Cheese?" I can say that I am a mix of all 4 characters but the one I am most like is Hem. I must admit that its hard for me to adjust to change and accept it but, unlike Hem, I do what needs to be done. If that includes change, than I change. It just takes me a while to realize this and I know that living like this won't give me a full and promising life. Its easy to say that people are going to live like Haw, but things are easier said and done. What Haw did/realized is often avoided by everyday people. He finally accepted change and looked at change in a positive way. As for the mice, once the cheese was gone they knew what needed to be done and searched for the new cheese and adapted to change. The little quotes that Haw wrote on the wall were also very powerful. They had double meanings. Like if someone who hasnt read the book were to read these quotes, they would be really confused as to why they're talking about cheese.
I feel that this story is very appropriate, since we're seniors and about to head off to college. College brings major change and sometimes change is for the better, which we don't realize a lot of the time. I can take this story and remember it in college when times get rough.
Erica you had good points. I like how you outlined some of the quotes from the book and really analyzed each of the characters.
Nicole your entry was really good. Just everything you said is totally true and I completely agree.
Keekee i agree that this book was a good lesson, because I learned a lot from this book as well. =]
It was interesting to read such an intriguing story with an impactful message such as "Who Moved My Cheese." It was a story that helped me out. And at the end when it began speaking about relationships, I felt that I could relate. The book taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and plain common sense. It is not what you desire, but what you need. You can always yearn and crave something, but the main point is to receive what you need. The mice had an advantage being that they thought on instinct. They were not motivated by greed, but by just enough to get by. It was just enough to keep them going. I learned that having too much will only be a problem. Having abundance will just sit there and will never accomplish anything and you will just become greedy. Having just enough is the right amount to accomplish what you need and enough to keep you human. There is a proverb that says Lord do not give me more so that that I will forget you and act as if I am more than everyone, and do not give to little as to where I will disgrace you. Just give me enough so that I will be happy and praise you. The humans on the other hand were driven by greed and stupidity. They wanted more than what they can grasp. It reminds me of a story within my family. Often time’s people want more than what they need and feel that power and riches will bring them happiness, but on the contrary it doesn’t. It brings you sadness, stress, and anger. And you hold a grudge within yourself. It is ugly and dirty. That is what really happiness. I felt that I was sniff and scurry when I began reading through their acceptance to change and their reactions. The train of thought was fascinating, but I became more like Hem and Haw realizing that I am not perfect. Who am I kidding? But I am neither stupid nor slow and I had to move on just like Haw. Smart guy that realizes things that is not really there. He took the initiative. He mad new friends and he did what he did. He took his courage and after wanted to help his friend. A great figure for us humans to look to.
To tell the truth, at first ,I wasn't as into as reading "Who Moved My Cheese?" as everyone else. I was too caught up in my life, but I'm glad I did read it. It really is an amazing story. Like everyone else, I was sort of put off that the book was written in like kindergarten size font, but it made me like it all the better.
As I began reading, right off the bat I knew this story was for me. It was me. I literally saw my experiences unfold in this book. As I read it, it related to me so much and made me think...Who am I? Who do I want to be? I know for sure I am not like Sniff or Scurry that they are able to anticipate or see change and immediately take a quick turn to change their lives. In certain aspects, in my life, I am determined while being stubborn and stupid. I have firm ideals or beliefs that I stick to; so when an event that happens in my life I try to find ways to stick to those beliefs without trying to change or grow as a person. For wanting things to remain the way they are, I am not stubborn because I persist beyond all doubts.
However, when I read this book I realized that I should love what I have and if there is something to test my beliefs or ideals and no matter how hard I fight I should accept it and try to change with it. This book helped me to realize that the reason I wanted things to remain the same wasn't because I liked it so much, but rather because I felt safe. I was afraid. At times, I still am afraid. Haw's actions made me realize that I wasn't living; I was living in fear.
For some stituations, especially those that involves my safety net, I am like Hem. I refused to move, and just wallow in my own pain and suffering. Wishing for things to remain the same without doing anything about it. Basically, being stubborn. The only person that will be hurt is myself.
But truthfully, to answer my question Who am I? I am most like Haw. I do sit around for a little bit wishing things remain the same, but why live in fear and insecurities. I'll only be hurting myself in the end b/c the truth is life goes on whether you like it or not. And instead of running away from your fears, you should embrace it and even challenge it at times. What is there to be afraid of when you are surrounded by people that love you unconditionally and God that loves you.
God doesn't not want you to sit around and wait for the best. If we sit around and hope, what good will that do for anyone? What happens to those who need our help if we sit around? To many people, the hungry, the poor, and the suffering, we are their Life providers. What's going to happen to them if we live in fear? It's like talking about ending a war or talking about feeding the needy, but never taking action. All talk, but no action.
A better question what's going to happen to ourselves if we live in fear, denial, and anger? We definitely won't grow as a person. It's not what God wants or asks. We'll be left in the dust like Hem. We don't know if he stayed or moved on. If we don't grow as a person and remain miserable. If we live in anger, what good will that do you? It won't change anything because when you look around you're the only angry one. Nobody else is upset. If we live in denial, fear, and anger our personality, our soul will die. That is foolish.
Things in our life change. And I do believe God continually tests us everyday in so many ways. That's why we have to watch ourselves and be like Sniff, at times, to anticipate or be ready for change. And most importantly, if things happen that cause a drastic change God did so because God wants you to grow.
We have to let go of the past at times. Lingering in the past like Hem will do nothing. Which is why I love this quote, "The quicker you let go of Old Cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new cheese." And, now, I can't wait for the new cheese. Because God always has something better.
Erika: I liked how you put the quotes from the book. You're right the more important something is to you, the more you want to hold on to it. It's a common reaction among us, humans. I'm glad that you act and think like Sniff because I know I am not like him. I guess it's easier for other to see things and change.
Nikki: It's funny how you said that "Who Moved My Cheese?" is like How to deal with change for dummies. That's smart. Out of everyone I relate to everything you said. We learn from past experience and so much as to change from them, but grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Jill: The quotes did have double meanings. I agree at first I thought we were reading a book about someone stealing cheese until I read it; and realized it's a long metaphor kind of like the Bible. And you're right about this book being more than appropriate for us, since we're opening a new chapter in our lives. Hopefully, we can remember this book, and if not remember at least read it again when things get tough. Thanks Novela!
James: I really like the proverb you said. It's true God always gives us what we need, but rarely not what we want. I guess we forget that sometimes, and forget that God has greater plans for us.
I see the book, "Who Moved My Cheese" basically as a self-help book for those who don’t know that this is life, life is all about change, and if you don’t want to be left behind you better change with it. To me it seems that the book should have been given to kids who don’t know what life is or how to handle it. Or those who believe that it is their write to be happy and rich. Not to business people who are somewhat successful, and have lived life long enough to know about this bit of info. But I guess anyone can benefit from reading it, not just people without common sense. I’m sorry to say but I really doubt this book making such a big impact in everyone’s lives. Everyone has the knowledge of change. Well at least the working people in their late 20s and 30s who were being forced to read the book should. Come on. This is just basic common sense. Just some choose to use it, others don’t. We are all capable with dealing with change. How else would we have gotten to where we are without it? I guess the purpose of this book was so that we can all pick and choose which character we take after. To be honest I kind of take a little after all of them. Often like Sniff, I sniff out change early in most situations. But then I get like Hem and tend to briefly deny and resist whatever the change is, because im scared that it will lead to something worse. Then after I get over the denial stage I find myself like Haw, I learn to adapt in time when I see that changing and leaving my comfort zone just might lead to something better. I also noticed that in certain situations, but no t often (which I need to really work on) I get like Scurry and I scurry into action quickly when I notice a change is on the way. All in all I guess the book had a good meaning behind it. I just wish that I hadn’t put out 20 much needed dollars to re-learn this bit of information. Contrary to what you all think about the “kindergarten sized font” I think that’s a major pro of the book. I mean I can actually read it without my glasses. That’s gotta be worth something.
the book is basically a guide to handle changes in life and us going into we need it but you dont need the book you handle it as yo go while your there and do it your own way. and this book is only important as you make it because you read the book and plug in your life with the characters. and im not comparing myself with any of the characters because at different times you can be any of them and you just handle it the best you can.
9 comments:
The story "Who Moved My Cheese" is a profound lesson written as a child-like story. After reading the whole adventure of the four characters, I’ve decided that I’m the most like Sniff, though of course I have a little of Scurry and Haw in me as well. It might sound like denial, but I don’t see any Hem in me. Of course I like having cheese and don’t want it to go away, but I can accept reality quickly after hawing once or twice. “The more important your cheese is to you the more you want to hold on to it.” This may be true, but I feel that quote doesn’t hold as much power as “if you do not change, you can become extinct.” You never truly found out what happened to Hem, but if he didn’t finally except reality, then he would have become physically extinct. On the other hand, Sniff was prepared for the cheese to end because he was aware of everything around him. I might not always be aware, but I try my hardest to “smell the cheese” every once in a while to make sure it hasn’t become rotten. Sniff is the leader of the two mice, but scurry was just as important. They worked as a team, something that is sometimes required in order to make things work. Haw unfortunately doesn’t have a teammate, but he does have the courage to move pass his fear. I’m scared of a lot, but I feel that fear makes you search even harder, not less. There are exceptions, but as haw wrote, it’s safer to move on than to stay put with nothing left. None of the characters did anything to deserve the cheese, so they have no right to be angry when it’s gone. I hope to deserve all the cheese I get in the future, and not ignore the signs of the cheese disappearing. Nathan brought up a good point when he said, “so you thought your old Cheese was your only Cheese.” I’ve always known what I wanted to do as a career, but now I’m considering other Cheeses to see which tastes the best. As for now, I’ll just go with the quote, “Move With The Cheese And Enjoy It.”
I had heard about the story of "Who Moved My Cheese" because many people including my father read it and really enjoyed it. I didn't understand how they could like it so much when it seemed like such a little-kid book; it didn't make sense to me that it could actually have a good and mature message in such a common and easy way alomost like How to deal with change for dummies. I realized the metaphors right away and although I know that one point or another I am all four of those characters I think that in those momnets of my life that there has been great change I have mostly acted like Haw. Most of the time I don't act like Sniff in the way that I don't realize the change little by little; I don't usually look at details and am many times thinking about so many things at once that I dont pay too much attention to what is going on around me. I am one that does not getting out of my comfort zone. Of course you have noticed this with LIFE and giving talks and being outspoken, so I would say I am not like Scurry that take schange as it comes as if it were nothing and continue through life just through a different route. I beleive I am like Haw because at times I know I could be a bit naive. He was naive when he really didn't want to notice that the cheese was being used up little by little, not that it just disappeared overnight. I am overtaken by shock at first ao I dont immediately move on because I am also stubborn and try to solve the problem to get things back to how they were before. But from past experiences it doesn't take me too long to realize that nothing will get better by me just lingering around feeling pity for myself because I am only hurting myself. I have seen other people around me that do sit around moping about their problems. I've learned that they are only problems if you treat them like it. You could easily make something simpler if you take the detour because there is always a way around everything. I liked everything that Haw put on the walls but the quote that I liked the most was "When you move beyond your fear, you feel free" I think that this quote mostly applies to me because that is the hardest thing for me. But the times that I have moved beyond my fear, I have felt invincible.
This story "Who Moved My Cheese" is very profound, a lesson none the less written as a child-like story like erika expland in her enterduction. Hem was a type pf charicter that likes to day dream and does not take reality seriuslly like a teenage boy who loves to sit home and play viedo games all day even though we dont find out what happed to Hem like erika said if he didnt take reality seriously he will become extinct.I think this bout far the best book i have ever read this year.
Before I even started reading the book, I read the back and all the reviews that this book received and that made me kind of eager to read it. It seems like a big deal so I was excited to read. Aside from the actual story itself, I really enjoyed reading the little commentaries at the beginning and end of the book. I liked reading about how others felt about the book, and some of their feelings I could relate to. I also enjoyed reading the actual story because it was written so simple and basic but had so much meaning to it. It was a good story that presents a serious situation in a cute way.
Although I am not officially an adult, I feel that this story can relate to anyone and everyone, not just successful business people. Of the four characters in "Who Moved My Cheese?" I can say that I am a mix of all 4 characters but the one I am most like is Hem. I must admit that its hard for me to adjust to change and accept it but, unlike Hem, I do what needs to be done. If that includes change, than I change. It just takes me a while to realize this and I know that living like this won't give me a full and promising life. Its easy to say that people are going to live like Haw, but things are easier said and done. What Haw did/realized is often avoided by everyday people. He finally accepted change and looked at change in a positive way.
As for the mice, once the cheese was gone they knew what needed to be done and searched for the new cheese and adapted to change. The little quotes that Haw wrote on the wall were also very powerful. They had double meanings. Like if someone who hasnt read the book were to read these quotes, they would be really confused as to why they're talking about cheese.
I feel that this story is very appropriate, since we're seniors and about to head off to college. College brings major change and sometimes change is for the better, which we don't realize a lot of the time. I can take this story and remember it in college when times get rough.
Erica you had good points. I like how you outlined some of the quotes from the book and really analyzed each of the characters.
Nicole your entry was really good. Just everything you said is totally true and I completely agree.
Keekee i agree that this book was a good lesson, because I learned a lot from this book as well. =]
THis is James
It was interesting to read such an intriguing story with an impactful message such as "Who Moved My Cheese." It was a story that helped me out. And at the end when it began speaking about relationships, I felt that I could relate. The book taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and plain common sense. It is not what you desire, but what you need. You can always yearn and crave something, but the main point is to receive what you need. The mice had an advantage being that they thought on instinct. They were not motivated by greed, but by just enough to get by. It was just enough to keep them going. I learned that having too much will only be a problem. Having abundance will just sit there and will never accomplish anything and you will just become greedy. Having just enough is the right amount to accomplish what you need and enough to keep you human. There is a proverb that says Lord do not give me more so that that I will forget you and act as if I am more than everyone, and do not give to little as to where I will disgrace you. Just give me enough so that I will be happy and praise you. The humans on the other hand were driven by greed and stupidity. They wanted more than what they can grasp. It reminds me of a story within my family. Often time’s people want more than what they need and feel that power and riches will bring them happiness, but on the contrary it doesn’t. It brings you sadness, stress, and anger. And you hold a grudge within yourself. It is ugly and dirty. That is what really happiness. I felt that I was sniff and scurry when I began reading through their acceptance to change and their reactions. The train of thought was fascinating, but I became more like Hem and Haw realizing that I am not perfect. Who am I kidding? But I am neither stupid nor slow and I had to move on just like Haw. Smart guy that realizes things that is not really there. He took the initiative. He mad new friends and he did what he did. He took his courage and after wanted to help his friend. A great figure for us humans to look to.
To tell the truth, at first ,I wasn't as into as reading "Who Moved My Cheese?" as everyone else. I was too caught up in my life, but I'm glad I did read it. It really is an amazing story. Like everyone else, I was sort of put off that the book was written in like kindergarten size font, but it made me like it all the better.
As I began reading, right off the bat I knew this story was for me. It was me. I literally saw my experiences unfold in this book. As I read it, it related to me so much and made me think...Who am I? Who do I want to be? I know for sure I am not like Sniff or Scurry that they are able to anticipate or see change and immediately take a quick turn to change their lives. In certain aspects, in my life, I am determined while being stubborn and stupid. I have firm ideals or beliefs that I stick to; so when an event that happens in my life I try to find ways to stick to those beliefs without trying to change or grow as a person. For wanting things to remain the way they are, I am not stubborn because I persist beyond all doubts.
However, when I read this book I realized that I should love what I have and if there is something to test my beliefs or ideals and no matter how hard I fight I should accept it and try to change with it. This book helped me to realize that the reason I wanted things to remain the same wasn't because I liked it so much, but rather because I felt safe. I was afraid. At times, I still am afraid. Haw's actions made me realize that I wasn't living; I was living in fear.
For some stituations, especially those that involves my safety net, I am like Hem. I refused to move, and just wallow in my own pain and suffering. Wishing for things to remain the same without doing anything about it. Basically, being stubborn. The only person that will be hurt is myself.
But truthfully, to answer my question Who am I? I am most like Haw. I do sit around for a little bit wishing things remain the same, but why live in fear and insecurities. I'll only be hurting myself in the end b/c the truth is life goes on whether you like it or not. And instead of running away from your fears, you should embrace it and even challenge it at times. What is there to be afraid of when you are surrounded by people that love you unconditionally and God that loves you.
God doesn't not want you to sit around and wait for the best. If we sit around and hope, what good will that do for anyone? What happens to those who need our help if we sit around? To many people, the hungry, the poor, and the suffering, we are their Life providers. What's going to happen to them if we live in fear? It's like talking about ending a war or talking about feeding the needy, but never taking action. All talk, but no action.
A better question what's going to happen to ourselves if we live in fear, denial, and anger? We definitely won't grow as a person. It's not what God wants or asks. We'll be left in the dust like Hem. We don't know if he stayed or moved on. If we don't grow as a person and remain miserable. If we live in anger, what good will that do you? It won't change anything because when you look around you're the only angry one. Nobody else is upset. If we live in denial, fear, and anger our personality, our soul will die. That is foolish.
Things in our life change. And I do believe God continually tests us everyday in so many ways. That's why we have to watch ourselves and be like Sniff, at times, to anticipate or be ready for change. And most importantly, if things happen that cause a drastic change God did so because God wants you to grow.
We have to let go of the past at times. Lingering in the past like Hem will do nothing. Which is why I love this quote, "The quicker you let go of Old Cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new cheese." And, now, I can't wait for the new cheese. Because God always has something better.
Erika: I liked how you put the quotes from the book. You're right the more important something is to you, the more you want to hold on to it. It's a common reaction among us, humans. I'm glad that you act and think like Sniff because I know I am not like him. I guess it's easier for other to see things and change.
Nikki: It's funny how you said that "Who Moved My Cheese?" is like How to deal with change for dummies. That's smart. Out of everyone I relate to everything you said. We learn from past experience and so much as to change from them, but grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Jill: The quotes did have double meanings. I agree at first I thought we were reading a book about someone stealing cheese until I read it; and realized it's a long metaphor kind of like the Bible. And you're right about this book being more than appropriate for us, since we're opening a new chapter in our lives. Hopefully, we can remember this book, and if not remember at least read it again when things get tough. Thanks Novela!
James: I really like the proverb you said. It's true God always gives us what we need, but rarely not what we want. I guess we forget that sometimes, and forget that God has greater plans for us.
I see the book, "Who Moved My Cheese" basically as a self-help book for those who don’t know that this is life, life is all about change, and if you don’t want to be left behind you better change with it. To me it seems that the book should have been given to kids who don’t know what life is or how to handle it. Or those who believe that it is their write to be happy and rich. Not to business people who are somewhat successful, and have lived life long enough to know about this bit of info. But I guess anyone can benefit from reading it, not just people without common sense.
I’m sorry to say but I really doubt this book making such a big impact in everyone’s lives. Everyone has the knowledge of change. Well at least the working people in their late 20s and 30s who were being forced to read the book should. Come on. This is just basic common sense. Just some choose to use it, others don’t. We are all capable with dealing with change. How else would we have gotten to where we are without it?
I guess the purpose of this book was so that we can all pick and choose which character we take after. To be honest I kind of take a little after all of them. Often like Sniff, I sniff out change early in most situations. But then I get like Hem and tend to briefly deny and resist whatever the change is, because im scared that it will lead to something worse. Then after I get over the denial stage I find myself like Haw, I learn to adapt in time when I see that changing and leaving my comfort zone just might lead to something better. I also noticed that in certain situations, but no t often (which I need to really work on) I get like Scurry and I scurry into action quickly when I notice a change is on the way.
All in all I guess the book had a good meaning behind it. I just wish that I hadn’t put out 20 much needed dollars to re-learn this bit of information.
Contrary to what you all think about the “kindergarten sized font” I think that’s a major pro of the book. I mean I can actually read it without my glasses. That’s gotta be worth something.
the book is basically a guide to handle changes in life and us going into we need it but you dont need the book you handle it as yo go while your there and do it your own way. and this book is only important as you make it because you read the book and plug in your life with the characters. and im not comparing myself with any of the characters because at different times you can be any of them and you just handle it the best you can.
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