A few weeks ago, while visiting a friend, I met a woman I will call 'Louise'. She was telling me about a family of Deer that emerged from the woods near the house that she had just moved in to. She was describing them and the awe she had felt at seeing them. And then she said, "But, I know that it's Spring and animals are just every where. I am sure that the Deer wasn't really meant for me."

Well, I have a different approach to these seasonal animals. Every day, I see the Mockingbirds chasing my cat around the yard to protect their babies. Every day, the Blue Jay's and the Cardinals and the Squirrels are frolicking in my yard. Does this really mean that they are insignificant? No! I have always viewed these sightings, no matter how mundane they may seem, as a reminder of "how to be". It's my "moral values checklist" from the Great Spirit.

The Mockingbird teaches us to be fearless, no matter the size of the adversary! And sing your song! Be who you are! Go through life without fear of the big guy. Mockingbirds will chase large animals of prey, like Hawks, away from their nests in order to protect their family. And other Mockingbirds join in the chase.

The Blue Jay teaches us about proper use of power. Are you being a bully? Are you giving people what they need, or just taking what you need? Do you run around telling everyone how you know everything, but you really only know a 'bit' of everything? Are you the 'Jack of all Trades' or the 'Master'? It's time to choose which way you want to go. If you choose to be the 'Master', get on with it! Focus! If you choose to be the 'Jack', then it let it be known that that's who you are. Don't trick people into believing that you are the 'Master' when you are not!

The Cardinal teaches us to add color to our lives! Everything that you do is important. You are important! Listen to your inner voice. Once you recognize your own importance in this crazy world, you will have a renewed vitality. You'll feel better about your current job, or maybe you'll realize that you need to move on to a place where you are more appreciated for the wonderful you that you are.

The Squirrel teaches us to be prepared! Have you done your spring cleaning? Have you checked your A/C unit to make sure it will work when you are finally ready to kick it on? Have you gathered your hurricane supplies? Have you prepared for that big meeting with your boss? The Squirrel is always ready. Squirrels have oak nuts stored all over the place, they have their nest built and they work tirelessly every day to stay prepared. Are you ready?

All of these animals come out, in droves, when Spring arrives. The young are emerging, learning to fly or to hunt. They are everywhere, but that doesn't mean that they can't still teach you something. You can always learn from them! Life doesn't always have to have that 'big-wow-factor'. Sometimes, it's the subtleties and the seemingly mundane that keep you on track.

Oh, and by the way, the Deer teaches us to be gentle, even in a sticky situation. Which, just so happened to correlate with an issue that 'Louise' was having with a new acquaintance!