Choose to Speak Up… or not

Have you ever noticed how, at times, the balance in life can be tipped?

Agatha  raised herself up to full height and struck with her talons. Pixie had only just arrived. What a welcome!

My heart missed a beat. “Ooh is she going to be ok?” For a split second I thought do I jump in and intervene. No need. Pixie stood her ground and retaliated.

Across the wooden bridge, when you visit our magical acreage, Pinbarren, you’ll meet our  Rhode Island Red chooks. Agatha is one of the three old ladies from our original brood, who no longer lay eggs and enjoy their days in the sun scratching the earth for treats.

There’s a clucky group of young girls who are almost ready to start laying. Pixie and her five curious adaptable sisters (the Spice Girls) are our third brood of pullets to enjoy chook paradise.

Chris and I expected there would be some sorting out of hierarchy, however, we were surprised by Agatha’s strong reaction and even more amazed by Pixie’s feisty response.

“Chris, there are three things happening here.” I don’t know why I was whispering.

“THEY’RE ALL FIGHTING!” (Was I yelling?)

* Some of  the girls stood their ground and faced their “opponent” full on.

* Others scurried away as fast as they could and wanted nothing to do with it.

* There were those beauties who were totally oblivious and continued to explore the ground for that missed piece of grain or tasty morsel.

I realized what had happened is very similar to the speaking choices we make in our own lives.

Can You relate to any of these?

• Are You an Agatha determined to stand up for what You believe in?
• Do You scurry away too scared to speak up and share Your message? (even though You know You have a rich bundle of life experiences that may help others)
• Are You like Pixie? When You’re faced with uncertainty or adversity do You courageously stand up and speak up? (Even though You’re experiencing  extraordinary feelings of  discomfort and fear)

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt

As we crossed the bridge back to the farm house, we looked back and saw Agatha pecking at some lush green grass. Pixie was chasing a pretty yellow  butterfly. It was then that I noticed the  Spice Girls in an extremely funny position…(but that’s another story)

Here’s to speaking from Your heart and taking inspired action!