Last Saturday, I pulled myself out of bed even earlier than usual at 5am. Like most mornings, this one started with a little light yoga flow to find balance and center before making myself fluffy and pretty for the world. On a bit of a time crunch to make it to Austin for a blogger conference called Thrive, I headed out the door and started down I-10.
On the way up, among other things, I tune into the latest episode of one of my favorite podcasts, the Lively Show. It turns out the episode is an interview with a successful blogger couple! Halfway through the show, Jess Lively brings up this idea of the elusive bluebird of happiness. She suggests that happiness and success is like trying to catch a bluebird. When you are in a space of wanting, even if you know what you want, you may see a bluebird but the bluebird will remain just out of reach. When you are in a space of joy and happiness, then the bluebird will come and land on your shoulder.
The bluebird of happiness!
My mind immediately starts spinning on this, since I saw a bluebird recently in David Bowie.
So I start playing his song Lazarus, and arrive just in time for the conference.
Conferences are easy and difficult, fun and challenging. The tone is different this year, and I like it. Us women seem more serious. We are ready for things to start working, the promises to start manifesting.
One of the sessions is particularly challenging and nearly clears the room. I go for a walk during the afternoon break for this one, not sure if I will go back, and at the same time knowing I will. As I pass by a little park, a flash of blue catches my eye and guess what is there?
Two bluebirds, playing in the branches with their beautifully bright and broad strong wings. One of them looks right at me, curiously, directly with his little eyes. I kid you not. The truth is always stranger than fiction.
What’s my next move? Are they supposed to land on my shoulder? I sit on the bench next to them, and they do not. I smile and giggle. I am so stubborn. I am so silly, sitting on this bench thinking a bluebird may land on my shoulder. Maybe they are too.
Why would I want to catch a bluebird?
I enjoy this experience very much, and head back in to the conference. Back to work. I am listening.
When I finally arrived home, I looked up the bluebird of happiness, it’s a thing. Wikipedia tells it a little differently. So many threads to follow and unravel.
Where is your bluebird? I’d like to invite you to see it. Maybe it will land on your shoulder… does it need to land on your shoulder?