Quotes for the Birds

Through out history many people have found birds capturing our thoughts and our minds. Much can be learned in observing them. Sitting in a park, you might watch a robin gobble up the morning worm. Laying on the beach its likely that you will be welcomed and observed by the gulls that wonder if you will be so generous as to provide them with a nibble of something before you part from their home. Even the pets in our homes show us the beautiful nature of birds. The budgies that preen each other at times yet need their space to play with their toys at other times, aways quick to give a warning chirp to alert to the changing of their desires. Over time many quotes to do with birds have been made popular. These are a few that touched my soul and what lessons I have learned from each.

"There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before. " ~Robert Lynd, The Blue Lion and Other Essays

A bird's nest is a complex construction if ever there was one. Depending on the species, they can be extremely elaborate like the condolike nest that Quaker parrots build on power line poles or a basic structure like made in a tree by Mourning doves. They work with what they have and respect the world around them. The nest are environmentally responsible and over time disappear. The live with the land instead of on it as we humans tend too. Also they are able to leave behind the nest and explore the world without having to stay with their possessions. They are free and able to rebuild when tragedy strikes.

"A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?" - Edward Hersey Richards

At times we can be so self centered and interested in expressing ourselves that we don't hear what others have to say or think. We can learn much from hearing more than we speak. Also keeping our mouth shut can save us from much trouble when we speak at the wrong times around the wrong people. By quietly observing we can gain much more knowledge that can be useful in life.

"Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best" -Henry Van Dyke

You never know what dreams you can accomplish until you try. If you want to achieve something the first step is believing in yourself and putting yourself out there like you are that dream. The prima ballerina began by learning a single step. It is with time, practice and faith in your abilities that you will reach your goals. Sure you might lose your voice or get choked up once in a while, but if you always sing when you feel like it, you will find yourself smiling at the end of the day instead of full of regret of what could have been.

"You cannot fly like an eagle with the wings of a wren." - William Henry Hudson

At the same time, its important to remain grounded in your dreams. Now you might not be the world's greatest basketball player if you are 4 foot 2 inches, but there are many things you will be able to do that others won't have such an easy time at. Your naturally stick straight hair is not going to turn into shining ringlets over night. There may be help to get you where you want to be, even if its temporary. The real trick is to know what you have and work with it. Embrace your natural abilities and strive to improve them.

"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." -Will Rogers

This one is pretty much stated as best it can be. If you are ashamed of someone finding out who you are or how you act, change. You can make things better or be a better person. For those things that you can't let go of, accept. Be proud of what makes you, uniquely you. Also realize that no one on this earth is perfect or lives perfectly all the time. I imagine even Martha Stewart has a trash can that stinks occasionally. Its OK to be something other than the norm. As long as you are happy, be proud. Some people strive their whole lives for perfection and reach the end only to realize they forgot to enjoy their time along the way.

"Many of you have forgotten this truth but you must never forget it: you remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." -Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Always think before you act. Sure you can take this quote literally, give serious consideration before bringing home a new pet and becoming responsible for its life. I agree with that whole heartedly. I think we also own our actions in life. Decisions we make, make us who we are or who we become. If you doubt this, talk to someone who has driven drunk and been injured in the accident. Their life is forever changed by a quick decision on to drive or catch a ride. Sure not everything can be life changing dramatic but all actions have reactions and implications. Its always the day that you run to the store for a quick trip and wear your dingy unflattering outfit that is most comfortable, that you end up seeing that ex-boyfriend who you haven't seen in ages. The person in front of you in line at the DMV, may be the person you are scheduled to interview with the next day for your dream job. Always consider your presence in life and how you come across to and effect others.

So next time you see a bird or read a quote, take a little time to observe what it means to you. You might find yourself surprised by the thoughts you get lost in.