Almost every day I find a feather in my yard and when I do, it brings to mind Dumbo and the story of the magic feather. (For those unfamiliar with the Disney classic, Dumbo’s sidekick Timothy Q. Mouse gives Dumbo a feather and claims its magic properties allow him to fly, instead of Dumbo’s oversized ears doing the propulsion.) Of course, my feathers imbue me with no more specialness than Dumbo’s, but I always smile and envision what I would accomplish if they did.
The part that I sometimes forget is that I have feathers every day because I have seven bird feeders and two bird baths in my yard, and constantly have a smorgasbord of bird food available. I have feathers precisely because I take steps to attract birds.
Consider what you are trying to attract and apply this principle in other aspects of life. If you want creativity, fill your space with whiteboards and other idea-generating stimuli. If you’re seeking fitness, keep the weights and walking shoes where you run into them every day. If you desire greater spirituality, surround yourself with others who share your beliefs.
It works both ways: if you have bird feeders, you’re going to get feathers and if you want feathers, you need to attract birds. Are you intentionally feeding the outcome you crave?
