If you live just about anywhere, deer are abundant. You may see them in the fields as you drive down the road. They might be in the woods, darting away as you hike closer. Perhaps they even make their way to your front lawn to munch on your shrubs and apple trees. My favorite experiences happened while on horseback as the deer allow you to walk right up next to them, only a couple feet away. However they have presented themselves, you may be wondering what wisdom they have to offer.

Deer embodies gentleness and caring. Approach the people around you with a kind and understanding heart. Do you feel like someone is trying to hold you back or bring you down? Deer teaches us that unconditional love should be our approach to many conflicts we face with others. Instead of focusing on the qualities you dislike in the person, focus on what you do love and show them. Kindness towards one another goes a long way. Often, people are taken back in disbelief when a kind gesture is made towards them. How rare it has become. Deer reminds us how important it is to love each other as we are. You should never expect anyone to change for you.

Perhaps you have no quarrel with others but instead cannot not find love for yourself. Remember to be understanding and stop judging yourself poorly for everything you do. How can you expect to love anything at all if you do not even love yourself? Focus on the traits that are positive. Let go of judgmental thoughts and self-inflicted criticisms. If you see nothing about yourself to love, then find a stranger and give them a genuine compliment. Making them feel good will make you feel better. The more you do it, the more reasons you have to love yourself. Eventually it will be second nature and your spirit will grow like wildfire!

A little kindness goes a long way. If Deer has left tracks across your path, it may be time to act on that. I wish you the best on your journey!

On a side note, I am very pleased with how this ZIA turned out. The deer is so calm and peaceful; I wanted to use tangles to enhance that feeling. I also wanted to incorporate nature into the sketch. I think it came out well. It only encourages me to make more! I wonder what animal will present itself next?

Have you seen one of these beautiful creatures lately? Share your story in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by this week!

Until next time,

“Where there is kindness there is goodness. Where there is goodness there is magic.”