No matter how much I believe in the signs from the universe, every time I experience a moment of synchronicity, I continue to be floored.

It’s like, “how did the radio know I was humming that song 10 minutes ago?”

Or, “why haven’t I heard that person’s name since college and now I heard it three times in one day?"

These moments are powerful and remind me that we can co-create the world in which we exist, deepening our belief that indeed there is something more than this.

And the “this” part is pretty awesome. I believe it is a place of solace and comfort. Maybe even clarity and direction.

I wanted to bring up synchronicity today because as I sat to write this email to you, to announce December's animal messenger, I had to share the power of this playful game I invite you to play each month.

Not only does the animal search help to game-ify our life in our serious days, it’s also an incredible way to tap into the synchronicity moments that are always available to us.

Case in point.

You may remember me writing to you about my friends Alison and Tom. They lost their 17-year-old son Blake last month, suddenly and tragically.

Just like that, their world shifted. Forever.

When I visited them last month, I found my first bluebird, November’s animal messenger. I actually found several in a store while buying a journal for Alison to write and process the depth of emotions no parent should have to process.

When I visited them last month, I found my first bluebird, November’s animal messenger. I actually found several in a store while buying a journal for Alison to write and process the depth of emotions no parent should have to process.

Then, on the final day of November, Alison shared a video with me. It was tribute to Blake, beautifully shot by his friend, and capturing the vibrancy of the soccer team and the final days of Blake’s young life.

Moments after I shared this video, my friend Vanessa sent me a screen shot of a particular scene. The frame included the soccer team arriving at their game and on the side of the yellow bus were these two words: BLUE BIRD.

When I shared this sign with Alison, she sent me a photo of the car magnets and bracelets that Blake’s school made for all of the students, in his honor. They read BB.

BB for Blake Barklage. BB is also Blue Bird.

The next morning Alison texted me that she saw two blue birds (jays) on her early morning walk. She felt comforted by this sighting, perhaps it was a sign.

It’s hard to make sense of things we don’t understand.

So when these synchronicity moments shift us into question, we can either explain them away as random (which is understandable) or dive deeper into the questions they evoke (which is much harder).

So…to honor the power of the bluebird, I decided to stick to our bird theme in December and chose...the cardinal!

Why? Because red reminds me of December. ;) But also because cardinals represent devotion and loving relationships.

In this holiday season, may the cardinal be a reminder to cherish your loving relationships and squeeze your people extra tight.

The holidays also remind us of those we might question. Just remember, in the worlds of Glennon Doyle, you don’t have to invite everyone onto your island. Only allow people on the island that is your heart if that relationship is mutually positive. That means you’re allowed to choose, and you should always choose love. With a partner, with your kids, with a friend. Choose the kind of love without unhealthy conditions.

The kind of love that’s easy, and flows.

Cardinals are also said to appear when angels are near, by the way...so tune in. And keep me posted!

I can’t wait to hear what you find.

With fierce love,
Alison