Day 5: Ekphrasis Post

Today we hit flickr.com/explore and write a post on the image that pops up, trying of course to link it back to health.. here's how I went.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/totororo-roro/7045597727/



The Dark-eyed Junco

It seems quite fitting that this image popped up and claimed it's self to be my topic of today. In fact, I almost feel as if it is a sign. A sign that I'm at the point where I'm well equipped with everything I need to soar and now all I need is to make my move and get up off that branch.

I am not a bird lover, nor a keeper of them. I do stop occasionally to admire them, but more often turn around to ponder the bird watcher themselves: with their bumbags, floppy hats and over sized cameras as they crowd in a group to spot our region's offerings. If it weren't for the caption accompanying the image, I certainly wouldn't know what sort of bird this was.

So it is for certain that this image spoke to me metaphorically. This is my third 'bird' in as many weeks.

1. While training with Diabetes Queensland, we were presented with an 'ice-breaker' question each to help us loosen up and introduce ourselves to each other. My question was 'If you were an animal, what would you be and why?'. On the spot, I couldn't think of anything else other than a sun bird. They remind me of being young, on Sunday drives in our car across the country with dad . Staring out the window, I remember their golden yellow flashing past the backdrop of rolling hills and the tall, thick grass. They seemed so carefree and happy, as if they carried the sun in their little bodies, distributing it across the country side as they flew. As if it was their mission to be happy. They feel like home.

2. As part of the challenge we were asked about superpowers, and as much as it sounds very typical - my first thought was flying. Which them reminded my of all the wonderful dreams I had as a child.

3. So here I am - my third flying/soaring/bird moment to happen in a short period of time. I'm taking it as a sign. A sign to be happy positive and courageous - to remember my roots, my passions and what drives me. To take this, move forward and seize the day - lucky I have a few days off over Easter to get the ball rolling, shake up the tree and try to soar off my perch!

How does this relate to health? Well aren't positivity and optimism some of life's most potent medicines? Happiness is the key.