How a Winter Flock of Robins Lifted My Dismal Mood

A flock of robins came fluttering into the yard suddenly, hopping around, pecking at the ground.  I've never seen so many robins in one place before.  They were only there for a few minutes, but left an impression of awe & wonder, and I decided to look them up and learn more about them.
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Many people think of the Robin as a sign of Spring, but in the Hill Country around Austin, they are active all year round.  In the winter though, when food is more scarce, they flock together when they find large food sources.  Their food of choice in my yard were tons of Ash Juniper berries.  This also happens to be the tree that brings me the most misery in the winter because my body is severely allergic to its pollen.

There I was, with a mask on in delightfully gorgeous Texas winter weather to avoid the dreaded pollen in the air, when these cheerful birds appeared and lifted my spirits, which I learned they're pretty good at!  After some quick research, it turns out that they represent optimism and contentment, as well as passion and happiness. 
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All of these things I was needing in this moment. 

​I also learned that these large flocks are actually quieter in the winter too, just like me.  In spring and summer, they pair up and are noisy and territorial.  
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But on this cool winter day, they flocked together as one large cloud of cheer that descended onto my dismal mood.

​Through this moment (and my quick research) I learned that I can call on the robin spirit whenever I feel like things are too dull or depressing.  Their presence encourages me to confront my deeper issues and resolve them as I strive to get back in touch with my inner happiness.  Their spirit can also help one adapt to change and get over fears when we feel down and lack the energy to make changes in our lives.

Come to think of it, that sounds like just what we need as we enter Spring, which is a season of new growth and emergence from a dark winter.  I guess they DO symbolize the coming of Spring in a way then!