I always start at the center since that guarantees that you won't mess up the borders. And it would be stronger. So I would do that big body shape. So start with the body from the very center. Find the center on the design and bend the cloth in four to find a center there. The only time I start from the left is on those rare times I'm doing stamped cross stitch.

Are you using two-ply for this project? I can't tell if you know this but with two-ply (or any even numbered ply) it is easier and neater to use one thread and bend it in two and put the needle into the loop in the back (I don't know if I'm describing this clearly)

The lion looks very cute.