This past summer I was feeling particularly vulnerable about the direction my life was 
heading. I had been spending a great deal of time in meditation, using my intuition, and writing about my experiences. Was I just wasting my time? I went for an early morning walk on the beach to sort out my feelings.
I sat and felt the presence of my Spirit Guides near me. I asked for validation, some sign that I was indeed on the right track. I asked for evidence that my experiences were valid. Had I really seen angels? What proof could I ask for?
Looking down at the sand and water, I saw a shadow move gracefully across the sand. I looked upward to see what was casting the shadow. I saw a seagull high above me. Who knew that a bird that high up could cast such a large shadow on the ground? How had I been to the beach so many times and never seen a gull’s shadow before?
Then I understood. Just as the seagull above me could cast a large shadow, angels who were invisible to the naked eye could cast a shadow that is felt energetically during quiet meditation. When I sense the shadow, I can trust that angels are overhead.
As I continued to enjoy the shadows cast by the occasional seagull here or there, I asked for validation that I was on the right track in putting together a book of my experiences. Within a few minutes I heard a number of gulls approaching. I looked up and counted 21 sea gulls approaching me overhead. I smiled at my personal gift of validation.
When I got back to the house I was curious about the number 21. Why had I seen 21 gulls as my message of validation? For grins, I looked up the spiritual meaning of the number 21 on the internet. I read: “The number 21 suggests that there may be some new opportunities or directions for you to take that will lead you in new and exciting directions. Trust that your angels are by your side throughout these changes and transitions and are guiding your every step. They encourage you to remain calm, balanced and happy and you will find that all will work out for your highest good.” Awesome, thank you!