Read time: 3 min.

Many traditions consider “spirit animals” symbolic representations of one’s inner self. Sometimes, I think of my own as something like a vicious shark, a stoic tiger, or a crafty snake! Lately I’ve learned that my spirit animal is the Funyun Bird.

I met Funyun Bird by accident. Breakfasts at Wendy’s have come and gone over the years. Recently, the restaurant started offering a “Hoosier Biscuit Bowl” in Indiana. They plop two biscuits, seasoned potatoes, sausage gravy, shredded cheese, and a fried egg into a tray, and that’s the Hoosier Biscuit Bowl.

I’m a fan! I found myself in pursuit of one at the drive-thru last week. That’s when I encountered the crow picking its way through a Funyuns bag.

Funyuns have always been a mystery to me since they’re not really fun and they’re not really onions. Although I wouldn’t have bothered to chase a sack of them through a windy Wendy’s parking lot myself, Funyun Bird did. I felt an immediate connection.

Specific practices related to spirit animals vary widely from one culture to another, but many indigenous traditions believe they offer wisdom, protection, and guidance. Funyun Bird presented none of that: the pavement was littered with Funyuns, but he was singleminded in pursuit of his quarry. All he cared about was his Funyun bag, and I applauded it.

That fortitude is how Funyun Bird became my spirit animal. I’ve come to think of myself as resilient over the past few years: not only have I overcome trivial troubles like figuring out something to post here every day, but I’ve also conquered critical challenges like managing my bipolar disorder, for example. Dealing with both involves hunkering down, isolating the task at hand, and focusing on completing it.

Often, that’s as easy as taking a break to think up a new angle about an old schoolhouse. Other times, it’s a real burden. I saw many of my experiences reflected back through my windshield as Funyun Bird parried my Civic! Last I knew, he was soaring down West Jackson Street with his Funyuns in his beak.

Spirit animals are supposed to be sources of strength and balance during challenging times. Sharks and tigers and snakes might be good for the dynamos, but I found Funyun Bird instead. My moment with him was fleeting, but we’re all resilient in one way or another. Maybe Funyun Bird could be your spirit animal, too.