The Tiny Miracles That Continue To Surround Us

The other day I was sitting in my car having a video call with a new friend.  As we were talking, from the corner of my eye I saw a red robin fly by.  Not even two minutes later, I saw a turkey, YES…  A TURKEY!!!  Mind you, I was sitting in my car parked in a Starbucks parking lot not far from I88, a very busy interstate.  

As I told my friend, we both started laughing.  The turkey was trotting his way back and forth from tree to tree.  Earlier that morning, I saw a black crow swoop down as I was dropping my husband to the train.  Historically I don’t think I would have noticed all of these “signs.”  Three different significant birds within three hours?  I obviously would have just noticed the turkey, wondering how the heck did it get here?   

But this time was different.  This time I could feel this as some sort of message.  What is the Universe trying to tell me?  So, me being me, I had to jump online to see what the meaning was.  

Black Crow – Represents spiritual or emotional change.
Cardinals – Represent luck, manifestation, devotion, setting boundaries, loyalty, and domestic harmony.
Turkey – Represents generosity, gratitude, family, and friendship.

For the past year, I have been fighting breast cancer.  After 16 rounds of chemo, surgery and 20 rounds of chemo, my oncologist sees me as cancer free.  I still have chemo pills to take for the next 6 months, but as I’ve been told, the hardest part is behind me.  

However, there is a lot of mental healing to do.  Lately, I’ve been feeling “Now what”?  “What’s next”?  I do not have doctors appointments dictating my schedule daily, however there are follow up appointments, which I am certainly ok with.  But there are times when I do feel, “Where do I go from here”?   

Sometimes, you have to pay attention to the tiny miracles all around you when you feel that “Now what” feeling.

Okay, so back to the birds..

The Black Crow – I am forever changed from this cancer, but that’s a good thing.  This journey has brought me closer to myself.  It’s taught me to do less, and be more.

The Cardinal – Is reminding me that I’m on the right path.  That I am ok.  I am right where I am supposed to be.

The Turkey – For the past year I have had the blessing to focus on my healing, as we moved in with my in-laws.  My family has received amazing support from family, friends – old and new. 

I don’t see these as just birds…  I see this as messages. 

Now, I’m not saying you need to go outside right now and start looking for birds to give you messages.  That’s not the point here. 

But what if you were to allow yourself to take a beat.  Maybe it’s a day or even a week off of social media.  Or perhaps you make time to go for a 10 minute daily walk.  Or what if you started cooking at home more; trying out new recipes?   

What you may find out is that you are doing ok.  Feeling less stressed.  Feeling more joy.  Enjoying these tiny little miracles that surround you on the daily.  The kind barista who makes your coffee every morning.  The beautiful flowers that you pass on your way to drop the kids off to school.  The smell of the fresh crisp air as you open the windows of your home. 

In a world with war, poverty, sadness and hurt, there is also love, joy and humanity.   

It is what we choose to focus on.  But first we must nourish ourselves, so we can have the mental strength and capacity to help and give yo others. 

In the beautiful words of the late Nhat Hanh:

“To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth, in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.”

Nhat Hanh

What are the tiny miracles that you have come across lately?

Until next time friend,

Ru