ThirstyFish

The Barn Swallow is a distinctive bird that feeds on insects that it catches in flight. Unlike its cousin the Tree Swallow which breeds only in North America, the Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world.

In the earlier days of sailing, sailors tattooed an image of a Barn Swallow to show that they had sailed over 5,000 nautical miles, an accomplishment at the time. Two tattoos depicted 10,000 miles traveled.

Most of us have the urge to share some of our accomplishments with others in the hope that they will feel a sense of pride with us. This is normal. When we constantly and subconsciously show off our accomplishments, often with exaggeration, to prove our superiority, to entice envy, or to compensate for not being accepted, we are either suffering from low self esteem or arrogance. Of course, many of us are in denial and do not think we suffer from these. Consequently, when we do not get the attention we crave, we become agitated and we subdue our agitation through ignorance. Some of us get away with ignorance for some time, but when ignorance fails, it really fails! Therefore, before acquiring two swallow tattoos or a $150,000 Maserati, truly consider why you want them. Conscious consideration will often break the cycle...