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The buds on the trees, the layers of greens, the sprouting of spring flowers – the sense of renewal in nature is a powerful metaphor for the rejuvenation in our lives.
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying our homes or switching our winter apparel for spring attire. We, too, could use some decluttering and rebooting after the winter months. This process is not just about physical but also mental and spiritual space, and it’s crucial for our personal growth. Springtime offers a profound sense of hope, the chance to reset the negative things in our lives, and just like nature, start anew if needed. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to shed the old and embrace the positive change that spring brings, filling us with optimism and inspiration.
We were fortunate once again to have a mild winter. However, the cold, shorter days and less sunlight can affect our moods and motivation. That said, winter can serve as a dormant stage of rest and reflection before rebirth in spring. I find a new energy, mental clarity and more profound spirituality coming during the spring months. Things die out in winter, but like in nature, we prepare for brighter days of color and hope. By brighter days of color and hope, I mean a period of growth, renewal and positivity. Like the quote “hope springs eternal,” I feel a revived sense of optimism towards all that life offers once the spring equinox arrives.
As I embark on the annual spring cleaning ritual, I also take the opportunity to declutter my mind, body and spirit. Spring is the perfect time to reflect on our unhealthy habits, such as excessive screen time or negative self-talk, and make a plan to live our best lives. I focus on my thoughts and inner dialogue, becoming more aware of what I feed myself. This is a continuous part of growth. Our thoughts can either hold us back or propel us towards a healthier, more optimistic way of living. Did the winter months limit physical activity? If so, reevaluate your plan to get the body charging on all cylinders. The stillness of winter isn’t necessarily negative if used as a time of rest, reflection and rejuvenation. It’s a time to take control and make positive changes. For instance, I start by setting specific goals for physical activity and healthy eating, and I also practice mindfulness and meditation to declutter my mind and spirit.
Since Easter is celebrated during spring, I experience the most significant transformation in my faith and spirituality during this season. Jesus’s death on the cross for humanity’s sins, His resurrection and God’s forgiveness are the ultimate examples of new beginnings. I am a half-glass-full person, but sometimes, the world’s weight does get to me. During that time, I questioned my faith. However, Easter offers a renewed sense of hope and knowing that even though I falter and am flawed, I am loved, forgiven, and have the opportunity each day to live a life led by Jesus’s example. This understanding fills me with spiritual renewal and hope, reminding me that I can impact the world with joy and light. We all have that opportunity to do good, and our faith and spirituality can be a source of connection and upliftment.
I often feel closest to God and all the divines while I am lost in nature, even more so when the remnants of winter begin to fade away to bloom. Listening to the birds sing, the waterfalls powerful rush over the rocks, the beautiful colors of the wildflowers, and the immense peace that comes over me, I know I am not walking alone. After winter’s gray, there is vibrancy, a new-found energy that invigorates me, joy that fills my heart, and hope that inspires me. This emotional and spiritual revival is a powerful reminder of spring’s beauty and potential for growth.
As we move forward into the warmth and beauty of spring, we owe it to ourselves to take care of our minds, bodies and spirits. We can’t be of service to others if we are running on empty. We can refresh our habits and thoughts. By the power of reflection, we can rewrite the narrative of our lives, which means we can change our perspective on past experiences and shape our future with a more positive outlook. This process can lead us to fulfillment and peace.
Finally, we can be born again in our faith, understanding that through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we have been promised eternal life and forgiveness of our sins. Spring offers a fresh start if we choose. Use nature as a guide that even if we feel hopeless in the depths of winter, we can find vibrancy and hope in the brightness of springtime. This is a time for personal growth and empowerment.
- Lee Ann Raikes, aka “Large Marge,” is a resident of Utica. She is a high school educator at Regional Office of Education 35 Academy and has been involved in education for more than 20 years.