The Perfect Gift Not Too Late to Get
shying away from being celebrated is for the birds; you are worthy of shining
“But first, would you like a ‘mom-osa’?”
I definitely wasn’t expecting that question upon entering the bird supply store last Sunday.
And I certainly wasn’t expecting myself to say yes, but I am so glad I did. I’ve been talking about that cranberry mimosa for days!
What brought me to the bird supply store on Mother’s Day was a pair of Mourning Doves that have had five broods of babies on my front porch over the past year.
My family might use the term “obsession” to describe my fascination with these birds, but I see it more as “avid enthusiasm”.
I didn’t realize it at first, but one day it dawned on me that these cooing, gray doves with whistling wings were reconnecting me to my Dreamer Girl – the uninhibited, curious, fun-loving part of myself that got lost somewhere in adulthood.
What clued me in was the excitement I felt each morning when I ran to the porch to see if the birds were still there. Watching the pair build nests with their beaks, incubate eggs with perfect precision, feed the babies and teach them to fly felt miraculous to witness. They’d chosen me, and I was not about to disappoint them by being apathetic. During each stage of development, I researched extensively and shared my knowledge with anyone who would listen (or even pretend they were listening). The notion that there were still so many discoveries to be made in life comforted me as I watched my own babies, ages 17 and 20, leave the nest.
For Mother’s Day, it felt fitting to request a trip to the bird supply store, so I could pick out my very first bird feeder. This turned out to be anything but a mere shopping trip – it was a delightful experience.
It began with the cranberry juice mimosa… which led to an enlightening chat with the owner and his school-age daughter about the simplest feeder for a beginner… which led to being entertained by Scott being swallowed by the tree while trimming it… which led to me standing on a stool and placing the bird feeder on the tree limb like a jeweled crown.
I look at this photo of myself in that moment, and I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
With help from feathery guides, I am finding my way back to my inquisitive, comfortably clad, nature-loving, happy childlike self.
And the closer I get, the more I’m learning to trust myself in knowing how I want to celebrate moments when the spotlight is on me. In the past, I used to shy away from being celebrated; now I know I am worthy of shining.
I appreciate the shop owner recognized my eagerness and cautioned that it would take one to two weeks for the birds find the feeder. I have found joy in preparing my viewing area. I swept the dirt and stray leaves off the cement porch, cleaned the outdoor furniture, and placed a happy rug where my feet rest.
There are no birds yet, but I am finding joy in the waiting. In the noticing of my surroundings. In the just BEING.
The other day, poet David Gate gave beautiful words to what I am feeling. He wrote:
“Sleep will recharge
the body and the mind
but nothing restores the heart
except goodness
so let no good thing
pass unnoticed
and let every great thing
be celebrated
for all its worth and wonder
to keep your heart renewed.”
We often think self-renewal is a result of big changes and life overhauls, but let’s not underestimate the power of engaging in small acts of awareness – those moments when our hearts sigh with contentment.
When Avery walked outside and saw the bird feeder hanging in the tree on Sunday afternoon, she said, “I can’t think of a more perfect gift for you, Mom.”
I couldn’t speak for a moment.
All I could think was how many times I have chosen the perfect gift for someone else. To do so required noticing, caring, listening, honoring, and taking action.
I’d never done that for myself – but it wasn’t too late.
At age 52, I chose the perfect gift for myself. And the discovery process required to find the perfect gift might be even better than the gift itself.
In the book Where to Begin, Cleo Wade writes, “When we know how to gift peace to our inner world, the pathway to creating peace in the world around us is so much clearer."
Inner peace/clearer path
Could there be a more perfect gift?
I don’t think so. And the best part of all?
You don’t need anyone’s permission to deem yourself worthy of it.
🌳❓ Have you given yourself a “perfect gift” recently? What was it and what did you have to learn about yourself in order to find it? The comment section of our Treehouse is a gold mine of inspiration, honesty, and support because of you. I cherish every comment.
I AM TAKING A POLL & I’D LOVE YOUR INPUT…
Beloved Treehouse Community, I’ve always wanted to do something big for my birthday but have never voiced this desire because of my struggle with worthiness. Thanks to the breakthroughs I have made through my Soul Shift journey, I decided this is the year I'm going to honor my growth and fulfill my long-held wish by taking a very special trip and ... I'd like to invite you to consider joining me!
The same travel company with whom I’m hosting my California adventure in September recently added a four-day Costa Rica trip to their amazing itineraries. From the moment I saw the announcement of this destination, I knew I'd love to experience the beauty of Rincón de la Vieja National Park with members of this beloved community. One of the trip highlights is a horseback ride through the rainforest followed by a refreshing plunge at the base of a waterfall. Somebody pinch me!
The cost of the four-day trip (including meals, lodging, activities, and Soul Shift mini-workshops) would be approximately $1,800 (not including airfare). Click here for more details about this experience.
I'm wondering… if I were to do this trip over a weekend in early February 2025 in honor of my birthday, would ten people from this community be interested in joining me? (Ten participants is the minimum number we'd need to reserve the location for our group.)
Using the poll feature below, please provide your feedback. And keep in mind, if this is not the right timing or right destination for you, no worries. When it comes to uniting soul shifting with travel experiences, I think I am just getting started.
When I left my job a couple of weeks ago, my colleagues gave me £350 and a huge bouquet of flowers. I was a little surprised as so many emails are circulated when someone leaves and I assumed most people either ignore it or just sign the card. I immediately started planning all the things we need in my head. Maybe that rug that I wanted for the living room. Maybe a new outdoor chair. Maybe I could get supermarket vouchers and pay for shopping for the next few weeks…..My husband reminded me that the money is for me. Not for us, not for the kids. For me. I thought long and hard about it. I remember someone telling me that experiences are more memorable than things (although in the case of your bird feeder Rachel I don’t think that is true - I get so much joy from watching the birds in my garden). I had a look online. There is a music festival taking place at a castle (I’m in Scotland and yes- it’s quite normal here for this type of event to take place in the grounds of a castle 😂). It’s an 80 rewind festival. The headlining act is Billy Ocean! Other acts include Tiffany - remember her? I think we’re alone now….there doesn’t seem to be anyone around….🎶🎶🎶🎤🎤 Just thinking about it made me feel like I was 12 years old again. I bought tickets for me and my family and it’s now on the calendar. I get to see my childhood favourites that I didn’t get to see when I was a child! I honestly can’t think of a better way to spend the money. I can’t believe I nearly bought Tesco vouchers with it! It’s something to look forward to and I can’t wait.
Honestly, I think my recent gift was the trip to Kripalu. I think so often we don’t buy ourselves those gifts that are really calling us because we are worried about if we are worthy, if we can afford it or the time and putting other things and other people first. I’m going to say it again, and likely again and again… 😊 you have to pause and listen to your heart. When you feel it in your heart, it’s likely a gift that is meant for you and going to just keep on giving. It was such a special weekend with so many amazing people and memories were made that will be with me forever. I nudged my soul sister to come along and we were both gifted a weekend full of laughter, love, and even some tears. We couldn’t help, but Soul Shift! Thank you Rachel for providing that opportunity for all of us! That was just the first thing that came to mind. The second thing was an acoustic electric guitar that I bought myself for Christmas as a single mama a few years back. Now to gift myself practice time! 😊🤞