Stand Tall

Sometimes we’re faced with challenges that force us to step into unknown territory. And the only way out is to bravely go through it.

Yesterday, I spotted this lovely heron who inspired me to stand tall when faced with life’s challenges.

I love herons for so many reasons. Their unique beauty, their single-minded focus, their dogged determination…such admirable qualities. But what I admire most is their confidence.

Herons are the most confident animal I’ve encountered. They fly where they wish, stand for long time periods unfazed by weather, and easily express their emotions. A heron's indignant squawk is unmistakable.

I’m grateful to the heron for the reminder that we all possess an innate confidence. A deep knowing that although challenges are part of life, nothing is insurmountable. And courage and wisdom are available for the asking.

I say thank you to the heron for the reassurance…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Captivated

I smiled as I watched this beautiful red-winged blackbird flash his feathers to attract a female. Though he was simply engaged in his ordinary bird activities, I was completely captivated.

And I had a thought. The Earth is constantly striving to capture our attention with Her unique residents. Her animals and trees and plants and stones are like sirens of old, calling to us. So many intriguing beings.

They remind us that we’re always welcome in Her fascinating and ever-changing landscape. A place where you can come as you are and be amazed again and again.

I am beyond grateful…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

If Only

When I awoke one morning last week, my mind was ruminating about something that had happened the day before. ‘If only’ ideas crowded my thoughts. If only I had done this or said that…I was caught in a loop.

To clear my mind, I headed to my favorite wildlife garden and began to walk. As my anxious thoughts slowed and began to dissipate, I noticed this beautiful hooded merganser quietly floating in a pond.

And I wondered if she ever fretted.

I suspect animals don’t have ‘if only’ thoughts. They simply live moment by moment guided by their intuition, unaffected by their past, no thoughts of the future. And I’m a bit envious.

Will Rogers once said, ‘Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.’

I believe he and the merganser are on to something…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)