Favorite Symbols

The Rainbow

Quite obviously, I love rainbows. As Rainbow Brite says, "next time there's a rainbow, look up! You'll feel better!" Rainbows are beauty that comes after rain; because of that, they mean hope to me too. I can't tell you how many times I've had bad times in my life and saw a rainbow... it reminds me to never give up hope. The rainbow is a sure sign that the sun is breaking through the clouds.

The Phoenix

I love the phoenix. It's a mythical bird that can rise from its own ashes, after death, to a new life. It's rebirth to me, and hope. There's a song I love called "Blessing in Disguise" that Susan Ashton, Margaret Becker, and Christine Dente sing together, that reminds me of the phoenix. Here are a few words from the song:

"You can rise from the ashes again,
You can rise to the morning that breaks in your eyes,
For what looked like your heart's demise,
Has turned out to be a blessing in disguise."

I can't tell you how true these words ring for me. My abusive church experience most definitely looked like the demise of my heart, and yet, because of it I am stronger today; a new person, just like the phoenix rising from the ashes.

The Seagull

I credit my love of this symbol to my therapist, Susan. She got me to read Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and it is the most awesome book! A favorite quote from the book is "You have the freedom to be yourself, here and now." Susan taught me that. I can never see a seagull without thinking of the book and its lessons, as well as Susan's.