Albert Einstein is credited with saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result."
I've taken this quote to heart many times throughout my life, and memories of those instances have come to mind often over the past few months due to a male cardinal frequenting our neighborhood.
My husband and I have watched this little fellow repeatedly fight himself with great gusto in the side mirror of our neighbor's Toyota 4Runner for many weeks.
At first, when hearing the ongoing sound, we spent several minutes searching for its origin. But, now that it's happened so many times, we instantly look to the SUV and watch the little redbird peck his brains out to the point that he falls on the ground out of exhaustion - or a massive headache. Within a few minutes he resumes his battle, and the cycle continues.
Of course, we know that the cardinal see its reflection as another male attempting to encroach on his territory, yet we still think to ourselves, "He's freakin' crazy."
Animals don't have the reasoning ability we humans have, but it's funny how their actions so easily remind us of ourselves. While our little cardinal friend will no doubt continue to fight his perceived enemy, let us be mindful of things we repeatedly do in our everyday lives that are futile and, therefore, a waste of our precious energy.
Personally, I will continue to work on being mindful of my goals, accomplishing steps taking me nearer to my goals, and not waste time on things that are not enjoyable and won't help me attain my goals.
Have a wonderful Sunday, and remember that kindness has the power to change the world!