The Statue or the Pigeon?

Life has a funny way of keeping us on our toes, doesn’t it? One day, you feel like you’re soaring high, confidently navigating through challenges with ease—the pigeon of the metaphorical park. Then, there are those other days when it seems like everything that could go wrong does, and you find yourself feeling more like the stoic statue, weathering the storm. For every move forward, it feels like we take ten steps backward. Things break down. And no matter how much good you do, it just feels like people want to dump on you.

As the saying goes, “Accept that some days you are the pigeon, and some days you are the statue.”

And my friends, this week, I very much feel like the statue.

But that’s life, I suppose. And really, the pigeon and the statue are two sides of the same coin.

Picture yourself as the pigeon. You’re soaring high; everything seems to be falling into place effortlessly. You ace that presentation at work, receive unexpected praise from a friend, or perhaps you finally conquer a personal goal you’ve been working towards. These are the days when you feel invincible – when the world is your oyster, and every challenge seems like a stepping stone to more incredible things.

On these days, confidence is your wingman, and positivity feels like your natural state of being. You inspire others, effortlessly glide through tasks, and radiate an infectious energy that uplifts those around you. Pigeon days are the moments we cherish – the memories we look back on with a smile and the times that remind us of our potential.

Then there are the statue days. You wake up, and from the moment your feet hit the floor, things feel off-kilter. Perhaps you face unexpected setbacks at work, misunderstandings with loved ones, or struggle to find motivation. These are the days when life seems to throw curveballs at every turn, and you find yourself standing still, trying to make sense of it all.

This is precisely where I am right now.

But being the statue doesn’t mean you’re stagnant or unchanging; it means you’re weathering the storms that life inevitably brings. It’s a time for reflection, introspection, and resilience. Just as statues withstand the test of time, these days teach us patience, humility, and the importance of perseverance. They remind us that growth often comes from overcoming challenges and that even in moments of stillness, there is opportunity for learning and renewal.

Life isn’t just about being the pigeon or the statue—it’s about embracing both roles with grace and resilience. The pigeon days teach us to celebrate our successes, to savour moments of joy, and to share our positive energy with others. Meanwhile, the statue days teach us humility, fortitude, and the strength to face adversity head-on.

Finding a balance between these roles is critical to navigating life’s journey. Embrace the pigeon days with gratitude and humility, knowing that they are fleeting and precious. When the statue days arrive, embrace them with courage and self-compassion, knowing that they too shall pass.

And always remember that even the oldest, weathered statue can still stand tall and proud – even when covered in pigeon shit.