It can be easy to get lost in the chaos of the world.

Sitting at my art table this morning excited to work on my next project piece, this darling chickadee sat for the longest time on the suet feeder, while my laundry on the line blew in the breeze.

It moved me to tears. The sweetness of life, I thought. This is what brings such joy to my heart.

Yesterday I’d gone down the rabbit hole with all that continues to swirl in the world – so much that does not make sense to me. My heart hurt for all the suffering.

Later in the day, I’d recalled what a teacher who hosts a monthly group I’m taking part in said, “The mind can’t take it, but the heart can.” I wrote that out and taped it to the mirror on my vanity.

Though at times it feels like my heart can’t take it, it really is the mind that goes into fear, when the heart knows what to do.

The sweet chickadee reminded me that I can choose contentment at any moment, which after looking it up, is exactly what they symbolize — that, and happiness. A tiny bird that reminds us of the joy in simple pleasures.

I also read that Chickadee is a homebody bird. Well, if that didn’t literally hit home in my heart, as I am a homebody too. This soft place that I perch and take refuge in when the world around me is confusing…and how grateful I am for my physical home, but also my inner home that I’ve worked hard to stay in alignment with what is true for me.

Thank you, dear Chickadee, for your presence and the reflection that turns out to be the best present I could have asked for today.

XO

Barb