Month: July 2024

For your ears only …

RDP: Saturday – Tittle Tattle

Willie Wagtail

The Willie Wagtail has the sweetest call but when agitated, the chitter chatter is intense and no mistaking the mood. It makes its presence known in one way or the other. So it is not surprising, in some indigenous cultures, the Willie Wagtail is considered to eavesdrop and if one talks ill of those who have passed, the Willie Wagtail will pass on the gossip to them. It is an interesting concept because where there are people, the fearless tiny dynamite of a bird, is omnipresent and a powerful deterrent for those who believe in the symbolism of this bird.

We have all come across people like this in the work place. Those who come across as colleagues but when there is a restructure, the workplace becomes messy and with those most vulnerable to losing their position, being closest to the ear of management.

Being sick for several weeks with a lingering low grade chest infection I’ve been home for a few weeks and with time to reflect leisurely in the mornings. My reflections took me back to two significant office place scenarios and I recalled them, initially, with some sadness and then a feeling of elation.

I lost my position (but not job) when newly single. With two little children in childcare, it meant two hours of my day wasted in travel, extra expense for petrol and longer hours in childcare against a background of lowered salary. It was a nightmare time of stress and multiple demands and the lady who did not have children got a job closer to her home. It all seemed so unfair. But looking back, had that not happened, I would be working in an administrative job, nine to five, and wondering was there more to life. That scenario propelled me into higher studies and a significant career change.

The second was a job I had for over a decade. I woke each morning with a sense of adventure and looked forward to each day. Apparently, I lost it to a technicality and without a doubt, the whispering of a colleague in management’s ear. I didn’t get time to regret it because the very next day I got a better paying job with conditions beyond what I had hoped for. I would never had thought of accepting this job because why go to the unknown if you are happy doing what you were doing.

Yesterday was the first day I felt well and I realised how happy I am, where I am in life, and largely due to people who thought they got a better deal. Little do they know!

During my morning reflection it occurred to me, blessings in life come in disguise. So, I thought I’d whisper this in your ear.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

Soul food

RDP: Sunday – Feed

Unfortunately, during the pandemic, with many hours at home and good access to the internet, I became an online buyer of many things I don’t really need. It was boredom, and being self-employed, I did experience a degree of anxiety about the future, when my outreach work was impacted. Pressing a button to buy something gave me a nice little buzz that became a habit every day. Being busy and travelling as much as I did before the pandemic and after, I often paid people to do tasks, as it saved time. I didn’t realise it, but I was moving dangerously into learned helplessness and a struggling bank balance.

Although I have retained some of my earlier contracts, my new contract books me solid for a week or two and then I spend three weeks at home. The shift has been interesting. It has given me space to reboot my lifestyle. So I’m starting today by joining the ‘No Buy July’ challenge (except for absolute essentials like batteries, petrol and groceries). With screwdriver in hand, I’m even going to attempt doing things for myself. I’m taking charge again.

Change is always difficult to adapt to for most people. But essential. My physical health deteriorated over a couple of years to the point I was exhausted from pain and reduced mobility. I reasoned with myself, if the slide was downwards, I needed to find a path back to health. That momentum was found in the first step from the car, to the forest. That movement, that change, was essential to my overall well being and it helped me get back on track.

As mentioned in a previous post, not being in peak health some time ago I headed to the deep forests of the south west.

The forest sounds were soothing and I emerged two to three times a day from the healing of ‘forest bathing’.

Among the tall timber, I found myself, again.

And I found mind and body more integrated when I saw the tiny red winged splendid fairy wren foraging, for the first time. This one is a female.

Plain and simple and almost invisible among the debris, she is well sought by the male. How awesome is that!

The male is a sight to behold! Brilliant in colour, and poised, this tiny creature has a presence among tall timber. I can still remember the visceral response to seeing this tiny creature in all its glory.

These wrens, some people believe, have a spiritual symbolism. They represent change and moving on from something that no longer feeds your soul, is “positive disloyalty” (wildspeak.com).

People, sometimes, stay in toxic situations longer than they need to. I believe, fear, is a powerful anchor that keeps them from walking. For others, fear of the unknown. Little did I know at that time, there was a major career change ahead of me.

Although I will miss the outback, the soul food offered in the South West in my corner of the world, is an unexpected gift. So, I accept with gratitude.

May you find trust in the Universe to provide you with all that you need.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird