Letting go

Yesterday, while trimming the front tree I discovered a bird's nest. I was shaking the tree, clipping limbs, and pulling leaves before I realized there was something inside. I noticed the nest first and decided to trim around it, not to disturb it anymore. But as I looked closer I saw movement. I immediately jumped back and went into the house to grab my phone. Took several pictures and videos of the nest to see not one but three birds. Three baby birds. Not sure of their type, how long they’ve been there or where their momma was. I left them alone, praying that the Southeast Texas heat didn’t torture them since I removed their covering.

I continued with the trimming and gathered the pile of limbs and leaves into three garbage bags. I looked over to the nest before I went inside. Three baby birds, breathing extremely hard, either from the heat or from the crazy lady with the loppers and her iPhone.

That night, it rained hard. I was concerned about the birds. I wanted to know if they were okay. If they were alive. I know this sounds dramatic but it was raining pretty hard, flooding in certain areas. Got up the next morning and saw a bird flying away from the nest. I assumed it was the mom. I quickly looked and saw they were still there, still breathing. I relaxed.

I went back to the nest for three days, checking on them. It was the third day when the nest was empty. I was upset. I knew they needed to leave, they had to leave. My many google searches told me that them leaving the nest was part of their development. So I was aware of their exit, however, I was sad. While looking around the tree, I heard a flutter. I looked to see one of the birds hanging back in the tree. Of course, I got a good picture. I was happy about that. I look at the tree every now and then. I think I’ll leave the nest.

I couldn’t understand why the birds leaving hit me so hard. You thought I laid those eggs myself because of how attached I became. But no, those birds reminded me of something deeply personal, the moment when things or people we love leave the nest.

Leaving the nest is a part of life. It’s a natural part of animal life. It’s humans who have such a hard time with leaving. We get comfortable with the known and fear the unknown. But what’s the good in that?

There’s such a strange comfort in staying stuck. Clinging to what we know is safe, it’s comfortable. Regardless of the circumstances, people can stay in unhealthy environments due to the fear of change. They hate where they are but too scared to let go. Again, I ask, what’s the good in that?

Growth isn’t found in clinging. It’s found in flight. Even when things are shaky. Even when the future is uncertain.

What good is there in clinging to what no longer serves us?

Not much. Only a temporary illusion of safety. Staying in the safety net too long can cost a lot, compared to moving on.

The birds left because it was time. They knew it was. What are we holding onto that we know we need to let go?