Can you be still?

Ever have those days when you sit outside on the porch, covered with a throw blanket, and birds are chirping, hours after the sun has set? I have. 🙂

And it was that summer evening that I came to a realization: I’m not content with wanting to be content because I’m always looking for more. I like change, I like new things, I appreciate the little joys in life, but it never seems to be enough.

I lean to the right and hear a loud bird humming its song, one minute after the next – it sings. I face forward and hear a distant bird, humming its melodious song. Then I close my eyes and lean to the left, listening for a bird. I barely hear it, but I know there’s wildlife down yonder.

A few minutes later, there it is. It’s as if the birds from my right are singing to the birds by the pond, to my left. They just keep singing.

The sky gets darker and the breeze gets stronger, I should probably go inside soon, I think. But once I return into a warm, comfortable, familiar space, my home, the openness and freshness of the outdoors will be missed.

I sit there a little longer, hoping mosquitoes don’t come out to get me. I stare at my neighbour’s houses and wonder… what’s their story? How was their day? What’s the best thing they’ve experienced this week? I stop in my thoughts and listen, again. The birds are still singing.

The street lights come on, it’s time to go in. But I can’t help it. I wonder what those birds are thinking. What does their song mean? What are they saying? Are they happy? Are they sad? Are they scared? Are they feeling the chills like me? What’s their story? 

Self-discovery is about listening, being still, and digging deep. It’s about learning, reading, and expanding your knowledge about the world. Take some time and be still. You’d be surprised to see what inspires you.

That summer’s night, I didn’t know I’d learn a lesson from the birds, that evening I sat outside. I should be content and keep singing my song while I discover more about me. As I become this young woman, strong and independent – sing with my friends, tell them about my day. Near or far, there’s a friend out there inspiring me. Like the birds, I will keep sharing my story.

-LifeisaBeaut ❤