Who Moved My Cheese? - Spencer Johnson (Review by Dian Martha Nurrul Amanah)

There are many of us who still find it difficult to respond wisely to a change. The comfort zone that we have been living in makes us lazy to move. Until we finally realize that there is nothing left for us. We are lagging behind without sufficient supplies.

The simple story of the mouse: Sniff (sniff) and Scurry (track), and the dwarf: Hem (stiff) and Haw (safe) who are looking for Cheese in a maze can be a wake up call for us. The four figures describe how humans generally face the change. Two rats on the move and a pair of dwarves who think too much.

After going through a difficult struggle, they finally managed to find a large pile of Cheese at Cheese Station C. They ate until they were satisfied because they were sure that the amount would fill their stomachs in the long run. The tiring days are over, now they just need a small step to enjoy the delicious cheese.

Unexpectedly like being struck by lightning, suddenly the pile of cheese at Cheese Station C disappeared. No more food parties that day. Sniff and Scurry immediately rushed off to find another location, sniffing and tracking the location of the new cheese. Meanwhile Hem and Haw are still stuck in their confusion. They were busy questioning and figuring out why so much Cheese could suddenly disappear. While hoping tomorrow, the day after tomorrow and the day after that Cheese will reappear. They have a hard time accepting the fact that their food is gone and it's time to move again.

Better late than doing nothing.

After going through a long struggle, Haw finally decided to leave Hem who chose to wait at Station C. He strengthened his will and enthusiasm to find a new supply of cheese. In the process, Haw learned many things. Better late than doing nothing. And sure enough, Haw's struggle was not in vain. He found a huge mountain of Cheese he never imagined before.

Even though it's like a fairy tale, the process that Haw goes through can be used as a lesson. His story really made us realize how to respond to change more wisely. This book also reminds us that life keeps turning and moving. Sitting on the throne of our comfort zone does not guarantee prosperity. Our senses must always be "watchful" with the various small movements around us. Don't let us have the same fate as Hem who might have starved to death.