Hello Friends!

Here is another “flying” sea turtle!  I drew this with Prismacolor graphite pencils.  I started on it a couple of days ago but decided to finish it today so I could share it.  I eyeballed the photo, so it isn’t exact.  I don’t know who to credit for it, though.

You may wonder why I call it my “Spirit Animal.”  Well, when I was in counseling at my second session, I was telling my counselor that I like to draw, paint, and write about sea turtles.  She asked “why?”  And she kept asking why to every answer I gave her.

My answers:

1. They are beautiful creatures.
2. They are docile.
3. They don’t seek to hurt anyone, but they do have to kill other creatures for food.
4. I feel angry when they are slaughtered so people can make jewelry from their shells, eat their meat, and also steal their eggs to eat.

Then she asked, “So you see these sea turtles as helpless victims of other people’s abuse?” (something to that affect.) I said, “Yes!”  She asked, “So how does that relate to you?”  I said, “Well, I’ve had plenty of abuse from others in my past.”

Then the

went on!  “Wow!”  That was all I could say!  I sat there stunned at this realization.  (I found this cute light bulb on google.com!)

I believe I learned that the desire to protect, rescue, and rehabilitate injured sea turtles is connected to a deep sub-conscious need I have to protect “innocents” from any kind of abuse which can include just about anyone – children, men, women, minorities, and generally anyone who wants to be different from what society says is the “norm” whatever that is!  (My husband always says that being normal is overrated!)  Now I think I have learned what it was that attracted me to sea turtles so much in the first place which excited me very much!

Getting back to the sea turtle being my “spirit animal,” she looked it up and read the whole description to me.  That night I found a website called http://www.spiritanimal.info/spirit-animal-quiz/  For fun I took the quiz and “Turtle Spirit Animal” was what came up for me!  🙂  I was pleased to be sure. You can take the quiz, too, for fun at the link above.  The part I like about my spirit animal description is this:

“Traditionally, the turtle is symbolic of the way of peace, whether it’s inviting us to cultivate peace of mind or a peaceful relationship with our environment.”

I thought this description fit me pretty well.  I always played the role of the “peacemaker” in my family growing up and in all of my relationships.  I think this quality is what is driving me to want to get involved in an organization that helps people with mental health issues.

There are times, though, when no matter how much we want to make peace with someone, they just won’t let us.  I have learned that at those times, when others have not allowed me to apologize or talk through conflicts, it is okay. Not everyone wants to.  It hurts, but I have learned to just move on.  There is no need to dwell on why certain people don’t want to stay in our lives.  I have certainly left a few unhealthy relationships!  “Letting go” is tough, but it is healthier than trying to hang on to people who can’t give us what we need or can’t receive what we offer.  This just seems wise to me – let everyone be who we are – we can’t change anyone except ourselves!

So whether you are a peace-making sea turtle (or land turtle) or an owl who can “see beyond illusion and deceit” (which is what my husband got when he took the test for fun,) just be who you are meant to be!  Don’t let others try to make you into who THEY want you to be!  Always be true to yourself!

Have a wonderful day, and give someone you love a big hug!  🙂