The Beginning of Firebird Feathers
Collecting stories, One Feather at a Time
This week’s letter is here to inspire you to follow the creative idea in your heart. We began our journey together exploring the myth of the phoenix. This time I would like to share where the inspiration of my new publication “Firebird Feathers” came from.
Even though the phoenix and firebird are depicted similarly their origin and meaning differ. As I described earlier the phoenix rises from the ashes and symbolizes the cycle of death and rebirth. The firebird on the other hand does not resurrect, but is hunted for its magnificence and immortality. The large bird has feathers made of flames and gold illuminating the darkness. In Slavic lore, the firebird has a dual nature of bringing blessings and troubles. The quest of capturing the firebird is a difficult journey filled with challenges.
I have received a feather of inspiration. My creativity was sparked after attending a storytelling evening with Jimmy Nelson at the Bookstor in the center of The Hague. He shared how his early life experiences shaped him to become a photographer and travel to rarely visited indigenous communities. Through his spontaneous way of being, humility and patience he builds trust with people from all around the world. When a circle of people gathers around a natural storyteller, something magical happens. We begin to exist within the story and a spark of imagination awakens within each of us.
At one point he asked if we had seen the movie Forrest Gump. The majority of people nodded their heads. He brought us back to the beginning of the movie. A small white feather floats through the sky over the city. Eventually the small feather lands at Forrest’s feet. He picks up the feather and places it in his favorite book. Through the film he carries the book with him wherever he goes.
Forrest lived by the advice he received from his mother “Life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” Remembering the scene makes me question: what is chance and what is destiny? At the end of the movie Forrest opens the book again after sending his son to his first day of school. The feather is set free to be carried by the wind and the story comes full circle.
The symbolism of the feather stayed with me. At the end of the event, I spoke to the owner of the boot store across the street. This is where I bought my first pair of high black boots adorned with roses. She recognized me and we had a little chat. Jimmy reminded us that great stories don’t have to come from faraway places and wild adventures. We can find great novelty close to home. This inspired me to share a recent meaningful encounter on my way back home.
Three months ago, I was sitting in the bus and a teenage girl walked towards me. She told me with the sweetest smile and a sparkle of joy in her eyes “I want you to know I love everything about the way you look. Your boots, colourful coat, all the patterns, just everything you are wearing is amazing. It is so inspiring to me!” Her enthusiasm made me smile and it touched me deeply.
My first thought was: this girl is so brave, to walk towards a complete stranger and give her a big compliment. This moment definitely disproves the Gen-Z theory that all of them get lost in their phones. For a moment, I reconnected with my younger self and suddenly it hit me. I made myself proud. Not through achievement, but simply because I have the bravery to express myself. And without knowing it, I inspire others.
My generation has been conditioned to believe that success, value and worth are found in impressive achievements, material riches and degrees. A sudden moment of insight made me realize that what makes me a writer is noticing the small things in life. It’s what you see and pay attention to that matters. What we give our attention to grows. I discovered my uniqueness doesn’t make me special. We are all unquestionably unique. When we are brave enough to express our uniqueness, we attract people who love and appreciate us for who we are.
In a time of trolls, haters, critics, constant comparison and naysayers it is revolutionary to mirror another’s beauty and celebrate the people who inspire you. Remember, a small act of kindness can change the choices someone makes. The teenage girl sparked a fire of spontaneity in me. Life works in magical ways. Every time I began to doubt myself, a messenger was sent my way. Reflecting on my writing reminds me that we are all messengers that can make someone’s day.
When I came back home I experienced a clear moment of insight ‘Firebird Feathers.’ I have found the name for my new publication. I looked around and smiled as I noticed the various feathers I collected over the years. Through my whimsical nature, I collect stories wherever I go.
2026 Firebird Feather © Sanne Ham