He's Been Haunting Me

Interacting with strangers...gosh, it's either exhilierating or profoundly boring. The bore comes mostly from engaging in the age-old questions that often prompt conversation. They are as follows: "What do you do for work?", "What do you do for fun?", "Have you watched anything on Netflix recently?", and other questions or comments that center on the weather, sports, or the latest headline on the daily news. Those interactions are the worst; so, I always try to throw some curveballs when meeting strangers. Some of those curveball questions include: "What's a song that always gets you out on the dancefloor?", "Who was your celebrity crush in middle school?", "What was the most embarrassing fashion trend that you participated in?", and my all-time favorite..."What is your spirit animal?". 

Now, all those curveball questions are fun, but the spirit animal one always discloses some essentially important information. Their answer gives away so many secrets about the person in such a short time. I mean... think about it, there is an obvious difference between a man who names his spirit animal as a "bear" and another man who identifies with a "squirrel". Their spirit animal exposes their energy levels, their lifestyle, and even how exotic or exciting they are. 

Another interesting thing about spirit animals is that they can change over time. Which, I think, is appropriate as we all change and grow overtime. Well, at least I hope. My answer to my own curveball question has changed overtime and recently there has been a new animal “haunting” me. I not only see them frequently, but their image will cross my path in various forms. That animal is the hummingbird. Being the spiritual person I am, I decided that I could not take the haunting and teasing anymore, but instead I needed to research why this animal is resonating with me. 
According to the shamanic wisdom, the hummingbird symbolizes “joy and playfulness, as well as adaptability” (Source). And, I love that. I think those three adjectives describe me well and it fits my outlook on life. That outlook is that I think everyone should live life as if we are on one great playground and joy should come easy in each moment. Shamanic wisdom also states that when “the hummingbird shows up in your life  it may be an invitation to flex your path, perhaps even bending backward or forward, in order to accommodate life’s circumstances. You may be required to adapt to a situation that is a bit more demanding than usual.” (Source). And, let me tell you, this also couldn’t be more true. 

The most demanding and stressful part of my life, right now,  is my new job. I left a job I loved in hopes to “sharpen my sword” in a new environment. I was excited for the change and I was promised a school that would allow me to grow as a professional educator. And frankly, that isn’t what I have received. This life change has been the most challenging thing I have done in my life; and it has been so difficult that it has me looking forward to possibly “flexing my path” in order to “accommodate life’s circumstances” and “adapt to a situation that is a bit more demanding than usual”. The hummingbird is calling me back to my natural playfulness and to think outside the box. I think he is calling me to a new adventure and encouraging me to not be afraid of the “flex” that may be ahead. It has been a grueling 10 weeks, but I am starting to see some bright rays on the horizon.

So, Mister Hummingbird, thanks for popping up in my life. Thanks for seeing the demanding circumstances and reminding me that life should be fun and that I can create that fun outside norms that life sets for us. Thanks for reminding me that I have the ability to take flight.
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So, I’ve got a new spirit animal and a new answer to my own curveball question…and that's exciting. 
I’m ready to fly and play.