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There’s a certain optimism that comes around this time of year. Spring arrives and suddenly everything comes alive. Flowers begin to blossom. We begin to emerge from the long winter and connect with friends. Once again, we begin to enjoy the great outdoors. And most of all, we experience an unmistakable feeling that good things lie ahead. A positive energy that puts a spring in every step!
When we say, "spring is in the air," it captures the feeling of excitement and anticipation that comes with the arrival of spring. It suggests that there is a noticeable change in the atmosphere as nature begins to awaken from its winter slumber. With the warmer temperatures, we’re able to trade our winter coats for lighter clothing, and the fresh blooms fill the air with the smell of new growth that contributes to the feeling of freshness and renewal. Spring marks a time of new beginnings, where each of us can begin new projects or make changes in our lives we may have been waiting to make in the spring. Spring can inspire us to live our lives to the fullest.
After a long, dark winter, the arrival of spring brings warmer temperatures and the sight of new life bursting forth from the earth. Throughout the world and in many cultures, spring is also associated with the idea of rebirth, resurrection, and renewal. For example, in Christian traditions, Easter was recently celebrated, symbolizing the triumph of life over death. Spring is also the time when many plants begin to bud and blossom, animals emerge from hibernation, and longer days give each of us a sense of hope and optimism for the future, the signal of a fresh start and a new beginning.
And with this new season of renewal and hope, how can we capitalize on such an unprecedented moment? While winter presents us with its challenges, spring brings opportunity. We’d be remiss if we didn’t utilize spring as a chance to take all that we’ve learned from the past year and begin transforming these lessons into a positive force for ourselves, our family, our friends, or our community.
I’m reminded of a story someone once shared with me about a young artist who had lost a collection of her favorite paintings during a very difficult winter that set her career back. Spring had finally arrived, and though still feeling saddened, she decided one day to try to brighten her mood by picking up a brush again near a local stream. As she painted the natural landscape, she noticed an older man sitting not too far from her and invited him to sit next to her as she painted. She worked tirelessly for days, using vibrant colors and intricate brushstrokes to bring her vision to life, and every day, the old man would come and join her. When she finally finished the painting, she gifted it to the old man to his delight. The joy and pride she felt knowing the paintings she created that spring brought similar joy to another person inspired her to continue painting, hoping that it might also inspire others. Sure enough, years later, she became a well-known artist, selling her paintings the world over. But it was that spring, and the old man’s joy, that had inspired her to create something beautiful and meaningful even in the face of a difficult moment.
Put a spring in your step and enjoy this wonderful season to the fullest!
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