Be the Green Parrot: Lessons in Boldness from Gaudí
I recently returned from Barcelona, and that old saying that travel broadens the mind certainly did that for me. Gaudí’s architecture* is outstanding and reminded me of something I already knew but gets lost in the noise of global uncertainty: we are not meant to shrink.
The message that resonated; be different, be purposeful, be unapologetically yourself. We are living in a world that feels increasingly ambiguous, divided, and digitally disconnected and this is affecting all generations.
La Sagrada Família Basilica, Barcelona, Spain
Standing inside the La Sagrada Família Basilica, you can see Gaudí’s vision in its glory and clearly, he did not follow trends. He did not shrink to fit expectations. Gaudi was an innovator and conforming is the antithesis to this.
One morning in Park Güell (more inspiring Gaudi architecture), I saw a bright green parrot strutting within a group of grey pigeons. It was simply being itself with a clear purpose to grab crumbs! The way I look at it, the world does not need more pigeons blending into the background.
Birds in Park Güell, Barcelona
We need more green parrots: presence matters most when the world feels confusing.
Your values are your anchor; your purpose is your intent; your presence is your power. Creating space for others to do the same, that is how leadership builds community.
Here are some practices that I have doubled down on to help me stay grounded.
Build a supportive community. I surround myself with those who listen deeply, and where you can speak honestly. Different perspectives matter, listen with an open mind.
Engage with life around you. I love walking and I feel lucky that NY is a great city to do this in. Find your thing, whether it is walking, running, hiking, stretching to breathe!
Pursue your own creativity for clarity. I listen to music, explore arts, and read/listen to a variety of mediums to expand my thinking. I am currently in an oil‑painting hobby phase. Whether it is painting, writing, cooking, or designing, creating something that reflects your inner self.
Even when the world feels chaotic, even when uncertainty makes you want to shrink, my personal call to action is to be more Gaudi, more of the green parrot, and go boldly to the color you choose!
