The Bluebird of Happiness
Posted by Elizabeth
I just finished reading The Happiness Project (book #5 since The Waiting Game started last month!), Gretchen Rubin’s account of one year spent trying to lead a happier life. What struck me about the book is that, when she begins her experiment, she’s already a fairly happy person. And yet, there is something wanting in her life. But rather than starting her life over from scratch through drastic and dramatic measures, she concludes that she’d like to implement change within the context of the life she already leads…which is basically what we here at Life in Pencil espouse! Given that Rubin’s book is currently ranked #2 on the New York Times’ Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers’ List, this tells me that a lot of people feel this way: their lives are pretty good, although not all they want it to be, but starting over from scratch (if that’s even possible) either isn’t an option or very appealing.
Throughout the book, I was surprised to discover that Rubin persistently mentions bluebirds (even the cover art features a little bluebird winging its way over New York City). As I’ve mentioned before, bluebirds represent a powerful symbol in my life; in a sense, they’ve been with me all along. When I was five, my mother registered me for an art class, wherein we created giant masks fashioned from chicken wire and papier mache that slipped over our head. Where I got the idea to create a bluebird is beyond me, but for years that massive mask, which I slathered with electric blue paint, sat at the top of my closet, gathering dust but unable to be thrown out. At some point my mother started gifting me bluebird tokens and trinkets – again, why or when that started baffles me – which I’ve continued to be drawn to my entire life. My Christmas tree is literally filled with bluebirds. I often see bluebirds in nature – even in places where the birds aren’t known to nest.
Once somebody asked me, “But what do the bluebirds mean?” I honestly had no idea, but after pondering the question for awhile, I responded, “I’ve always taken it to mean that I’m on the right path. It’s a symbol of reassurance. When I see a bluebird, I know that whatever I’m doing in my life at that time is the right thing. If I’m considering some sort of change and a bluebird wings its way into my life, I feel good moving forward.” As I was nervously finishing up a writing project last fall, silently wondering to myself where it might lead and if it was worth my time and trouble, I suddenly looked up to see a fat bluebird perched on the wall of my courtyard, staring intently at me. I took this as a very good sign.
On one hand, Rubin’s use of the bluebird is not surprising. Bluebirds have long been associated with happiness (we’ve all heard of “The Bluebird of Happiness”). On the other hand, when Rubin decides to start a collection and chooses bluebirds, I couldn’t help but feel a little spooked out, for I have never met another soul who felt as drawn to bluebirds as I have (they’re not exactly kittens or cows or any of the other ubiquitous animals that people tend to collect). However, I got the sense that Rubin selected the symbol for its significance more than being genuinely drawn to it. The thing about “spirit animals” is that you don’t choose them; they choose you. If you pause for a moment, I bet you can think of certain animals that consistently seem to make their way into your life, who you feel an unusual connection to. These animals – what they symbolize – have something to teach you about yourself, about the choices you’re facing, about the life you’re trying to lead. Last week, Kristen from Motherese wrote about woodpeckers, making elegant connections between their behaviors and being a writer. I encouraged her to do some reading on the bird, because I bet there’s something she needs to learn about herself as a writer that’s revealed through them (just as I enjoy diagnosing people with existential crises, so, too, do I like to assign people spirit animals). Over the past few weeks, usually-timid roadrunners have made a happy home in my yard, literally waiting for me by the front gate (which, coincidentally, is blue); I probably should do some reading on them, too.
I’ve always wondered about the origin of “The Bluebird of Happiness,” and Rubin gratefully answered the question for me. The earliest mention was in a 1908 play called The Blue Bird, and the plot goes like this: two kids go in chase of happiness, guided by a bluebird around the globe. When they return home, they find the bluebird waiting for them. “We chased you all around the world, and here you are, right where we started!” they exclaim. “Happiness is right where you are, not something you need to go in search of,” replied the bluebird. The hairs on the back of my arms stood at attention as I swallowed these words, for if there is one lesson I’ve have spent my life trying to learn, it’s to be content with wherever I am in my life. Perhaps that is what the bluebirds have been trying to teach me all along.
What animals are you naturally attracted to in your life? What do you think they are there to teach you? Do you think making an already happy life happier is a worthy goal; or, do you think we have to start from scratch to enact any meaningful change?
This Sunday’s New York Times Book Review featured a great article on the recent surge in happiness-related books (including one called Bluebird!). And, if you’re interested in reading more about your “power animal,” or discovering what your power animal might be, I highly recommend Ted Andrews’ Animal Speak.
One final note: I had no idea what an uproar my Groundhog Day post would cause! Apparently, I was under the (false) assumption that everyone hated the Bill Murray/Andie McDowell movie as much as I did. To quell the fire, I am offering this YouTube video from LiP Reader Meghan, featuring her nephew Zach and his eloquent thoughts on Groundhog Day (the holiday, not the movie). Enjoy!
February 4th, 2010 at 6:15 am
I always think about Zippity Doo-Da Zippity Day (there’s a blue bird on my shoulder) — another happy reference. I think I am going to pick up the Happiness Project because I too am realtively happy but am always just shy of complete. And I can’t figure it out. Sometimes I think I just need to get older and find peace with everything and sometimes I think thisis the way we are supposed to be. There is something inherently wrong with “working” to be happy. IMHO. Thanks for the review!
February 4th, 2010 at 7:09 am
Okay, so I FINALLY downloaded the unabridged “happiness project” to my iPod. For whatever reason, I stick with non-riction better when I listen instead of read. I’m excited to get going with it! Like Emily, I’m a happy person…but I love the idea of enhancing that contentment.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Yes, althought it might seem random that creatures of nature make appearances in our lives, I like to think of them as omens. Essentially anything – a chattering squirrel, a bright green yard snake, a toad eating june bugs, a long-eared rabbit – makes me pause, reflect and find peace in that moment of time.
In my quest to enrich the happiness in my blessed life, I also subscribe to the bloom where you are planted theory. Even though I may be faced with a trial, I will certainly grow from the experience and need not allow it to chase away my serenity and joy.
Thanks for sharing your bluebird of happiness today!
February 4th, 2010 at 10:25 am
How awesome that you found a book that resonated so much with you. That is why I love reading so much. It gives me so many – often unexpected – gifts.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
As you know, I am a bit skeptical of the recent happiness movement, but I suppose I could always benefit from some sprucing up in the happiness department. (Naturally, I am either temperamentally melancholy with a bent toward happiness or temperamentally happy with a bent toward melancholy.)
In addition to the woodpecker (a totem I shamelessly stole from Anne Lamott), the deer is the animal that seems to appear to me most often. (Maybe that has something to do with living on a wooded lot in an otherwise treeless suburban development…) I’ll have to see what Ted Andrews says about the deer.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Kristen, I’m the same as you: either melancholy with a bent towards happiness or happy with a bent towards melancholy. I’ve always found myself appreciating the darker side of life. I think you’d really enjoy that article from the NYT that I provided the link to at the bottom of the post. And yes, look up that deer!
February 4th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
I’m so glad you stopped by Kristen’s today, because I’ve been meaning to come by and read you, but life (in pencil, and outside the lines) gets so hectic. . .
Your mention of “spirit animals” was fascinating to me. I have always loved dogs and cats, but had dogs. Strangely, however, I am one of those people to whom butterflies appear at odd moments, and they light on me – on my shoulder, on a knee.
I have the good fortune to live in a location where there is a bit of woodsy wildlife outside, though I am in a city. And your writing made me realize that on numerous occasions, butterflies have appeared (seemingly) out of nowhere, only to grace me with the pleasure of their presence. They remain if I am still, flutter their wings for several seconds or rest, and then flit along elsewhere.
I’ve lived a good deal of life, and this has only occurred in the past 5 years, which is ironic considering all the other (less than lighthearted) events during this time.
I love this post. I’m going to give it more thought. (And the image of the well-used impeccably sharpened pencil on the right fills me with a childlike happiness. Project, or no project.)
February 4th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Thanks for stopping by, BigLittleWolf. Butterflies are an especially powerful symbol; a sort of medium between this world and the spirit world. There is LOTS written on butterflies in Ted Andrews’ great book. In “The Gift of an Ordinary Day,” Katrina Kennison writes a beautiful scene about her car literally being swarmed by butterflies after coming out an especially difficult period of her life (think of all the imagery regarding the “cocoon” and “rebirth” that butterflies present to us). And Big Little Wolf? Have you ever done any reading on wolves? Another really powerful animal!
February 4th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I have been having an on going relationship with scorpions for the past 18 months. I wish if I was going to have a power animal it would be something a little less freaky. And Ted Andrews is mum on their meaning.
I like where you wrote about the blue bird and finding happiness where you are at. That is an important lesson for me as well.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
What a great post, Liz! I know that native American people often receive “signs” from many things in nature. Is there a chance that you have a native American “connection” that could account for the spiritual enrichment you receive when you are in close contact with Mother Nature?
I have not yet found an animal in nature that serves as my touchstone for spiritual guideance. I did discover, however, that “I” am the sought-after symbol pursued by many of Mother Nature’s airborne creatures. Mosquitoes, gnats, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and their ilk are drawn to me in incredible numbers. I give them all what guideance I can (usually with a fly-swatter or bug spray). On one occassion I even used a vacuum cleaner to help me provide the necessary “direction” for some ground-nesting yellow jackets!
Stay close with nature; and may every one of your days include a bluebird of happiness that you so richly deserve! Lots of Love,
Daddo