For those of you who are wondering, or who have asked, I saw my first yellow bird of the season last week.

I didn’t expect it yet. I wasn’t even on the lookout. I was running with my two running friends, and one of them called it out.

I love that I now have other people looking for yellow birds – whether they do it for themselves or for me. I loved seeing my yellow bird.

For those of you who don’t know what this means, I delight in the yellow finches (I think they’re finches) that sometimes fly around my neighborhood. Their bright color. Their unique “wavy” flight pattern.

They’re not plentiful, so each time I see them I know I’ve been blessed, and I know the universe is giving me a special hug. Even if that’s not true, just thinking it brings a smile to my face.

But you have to pay attention. You have to look for the yellow birds (or have friends who look for them for you).

It’s too easy to have my head down and my attention elsewhere. The other day I noticed the number of people walking down the street and waiting for the train who were looking at their phones. I was one of them. Then I realized that by paying attention to my phone rather than my surroundings and my day, I ran the risk of missing yellow birds. I ran the risk of missing the day altogether. I also ran the risk of falling off a curb, or walking into something.

I’ve decided to put down my phone when I’m walking, and to pay attention. To be more present in my moments. To look for more yellow birds.

I wish us all whatever it is that brings a huge smile to our faces. I wish us all our yellow birds.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!