Every bird has its own distinct song. I watch the birds in my back yard, noticing that once they are fed, bathed and watered, it appears that their only remaining purpose is to sit on a branch and sing their little hearts out. Tiny as some of them may be, there is a powerful life force emerging in that melodious sound. They know nothing of my existence, or the joy that wells in my heart as I listen to them and watch them enjoy the ‘outdoor, all inclusive resort’ that I have created for them. I am so happy just to have them around.

It occurred to me that within every human creature is that same life force, yearning for expression. Our ‘song’ is the way we interact with others, what and how we love, the space we establish, and whatever it is we create during our lives. We are here to express our essence: to share our uniqueness with the world. Like the birds that delight me with no realization of doing so, expressing your true essence may touch others in ways you might never know. Whistling on the subway, smiling at a stranger, or even bending to pet a dog may warm the heart of another. An unsold painting hanging in a gallery may disappoint the artist, yet hundreds may have left the mundane world for a few moments, gazing at the colors, the shape, the design; enjoying the experience. Written words, perhaps published, or thoughtfully added to a card, or even included in an obituary notice may touch another and completely change a perspective. The flowers you plant for your own enjoyment may lift the hearts of passers by, and the music you write or play may entwine itself through the hearts and souls of ones you will never meet.

There is not one of us who is superfluous in this grand design of life. Being who we are, and doing what we love, is the way we decorate the world with our essence. True, if the red-winged blackbird never sang in my crabapple tree I might not miss it. But how much richer is my world and more buoyant is my heart for having seen her and heard her song. The memory of that experience is woven into the tapestry of my heart and soul, and becomes part of my being. So it is with the gift that is you. We might not miss it if you never express it, but how much poorer the world for its absence! There are many red-winged blackbirds, but there is, and ever will be, only one you. So sing your song, spread your wings, do your dance. Add your splash of color to the canvas of life: let the world know that you are here!

Gwen Randall-Young is a psychotherapist and author of "Dancing Soul: The Voice of Spirit Evolving". She has also written "Echoes Through Time: A Message of Healing for Men", "Baby Soul: A Blessing of Spirit", and produced audiocassettes entitled, "After Recess: A Calming Meditation for the Elementary School Classroom", "Healing the Past: A Meditation for Wholeness", and "A World of Kindness: Experiencing Personal and Global Harmony" email: gwendall@home.com