Podcast Episode 203 - 5 Lessons I Learned From My Bird

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Podcast Episode 203 - 5 Lessons I Learned From My Bird

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Are there little things that get under your skin and make you want to pull your hair out? 

Could you use a little or a lotta’ more joy in your life right now?

Would you like to know what can make you feel fresh and alive again?

Continuing our series on lessons I learned from my pets. We’re finding wisdom in the darnedest places. I’m going to share with you today 5 Lessons I Learned From My Bird.

Today is for you if…

  • If you need a different perspective today.

  • If you could use some more joy or feel refreshed and alive again.

  • If you’re ready to apply wisdom to become your best self.

Here are five lessons I learned from my cockatiel bird:

Perch Yourself Where You Can See Clearly

Birds love to perch themselves up high to see.

When you perch or position yourself where you can see clearly, you gain a perspective you might not have otherwise seen. Perspective is everything. 

Andy Andrews shares a few facts to give us some perspective on how blessed we indeed are:

  • If you have cash in your wallet and a jar on your dresser that collects loose change, you are considered “prosperous” by more than 90% of the world’s population.

  • If you have food in a refrigerator, clothes in addition to the ones you are wearing, and a roof over your head at night, you are more fortunate than 75% of the people in the world.

  • Did you know that more than two billion people cannot read?

  • If you attend church without fear of arrest or harassment, you have a freedom that three billion people do not enjoy.

  • Current statistics show that over one million people will die this very week. If you are healthy, that’s something to be thankful for. 

Singing Brings Joy

Birds sing. 

Have you ever noticed that you feel happier when you sing, hum or whistle? King’s College London research shows bird sounds can make you feel better for up to eight hours.

Proverbs 17:22 NKJV

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

According to Goldsmiths, University of London:

  • It enhances our mood and gives more oxygen to the lungs and brain.

  • It releases endorphins, happy hormones or “feel good” chemicals in your body.

  • It also releases oxytocin, which helps relieve anxiety and stimulates feelings of trust.

  • There’s a tiny organ in our ear called the sacculus connected to the part of our brain that registers pleasure. Singing and music trigger this organ and stimulate our brain to feel joy. 

Sometimes You Need to Block Out the World to Rest

I covered my bird’s cage at night to sleep, or he’d keep talking and singing.

Have you ever gotten overstimulated by everything happening around you at once?

Sometimes you need to shut out the noise and rest purposefully. Rest mentally, physically or emotionally. 

Try taking social media, TV or phone breaks. If you’re always going, going, going, try to stay home for a set amount of time. You don’t always have to be doing something.

Imitation is Powerful

Does Polly want a cracker? Birds imitate your words, voice and actions. 

You become like you hang around.

“You cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life.” -Darren Hardy.

The best part is that you get to choose who you hang out with besides your family. Choose people who will lift you up and challenge you to become your best self.

Imitation goes both ways too. Are you the kind of person you want others to imitate? Or do you live your life like do what I say, not what I do?

Examine yourself and those you hang with and see if you need to make changes to become your best self and help others do the same.

Play Matters

Birds are playful. My cockatiel loved to run down my arm and steal my pencils while I was doing homework.

Play promotes discovery and improves your creativity and imagination. 

These qualities help us create beautiful work, problem solve and keep us feeling fresh and alive.

Try painting, pottery, or planning parties. Knit, crochet or sew. Write, sing or play an instrument. Go to the museum, a play or a concert. 

I do a once-a-month planner small group where we plan out our next month. But the best part is the stickers. We get creative and have fun in our planners. Shout out to Shannon for this idea and for being my sticker sugar momma.

Follow these five lessons; we’ll be someone who enjoys life more, just like our feathered friends.

You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!

Thanks a Bunch for listening!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!

Resources

Andy Andrews trilogy on Perspective:

The Noticer: Sometimes, All a Person Needs Is a Little Perspective*: https://amzn.to/3zciPXI

The Noticer Returns: Sometimes You Find Perspective, and Sometimes Perspective Finds You*: https://amzn.to/3zb5ijq

Just Jones: Sometimes a Thing Is Impossible . . . Until It Is Actually Done (A Noticer Book)*: https://amzn.to/42GL0vA

*I will receive an Amazon affiliate commission if you purchase a book through this link.