A Little Higher View

We spotted this seabird sitting high above the pier, perched on top of a light pole like it owned the whole coastline. It wasn’t in a hurry. It wasn’t worrying about yesterday. It wasn’t staring down at everything it didn’t have. It was simply looking around, watching the water, waiting for its next meal, and making the most of the moment it had been given. And I thought, maybe there’s a little lesson in that. Sometimes life looks completely different when we stop staring at what’s missing and look around at what’s already here. A blue sky. A place to sit. Someone we love. Another sunrise. Another chance. Another day to keep going. That bird was probably looking for breakfast. But from where I stood, it looked pretty darn happy just being a bird. Maybe happiness isn’t always about getting more. Maybe sometimes it’s recognizing what we already have while we’re still looking forward to what comes next. That doesn’t mean life is always easy. Some of us have walked through places we never thought we would survive. Some of us have lost things, fought battles, made mistakes, started over, and wondered if there was anything good waiting on the other side. There is. I know that because I’ve lived it. No matter where you’ve been, your story does not have to end there. There can still be light ahead. There can still be purpose. There can still be another chance to look up, take in the view, and be grateful you made it this far. Today, be like this little bird. Find a higher place in your mind. Look around. Be thankful for what you have. Keep your eyes open for what’s coming next. And don’t forget to enjoy the view while you’re here.