Here Comes the Sun!

Slowly but surely, the planet is coming back to life. I love it! The days are finally longer, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining. The world is beginning again! 

I have to admit that I often struggle through the winters here in Omaha. This last one wasn’t that bad. We had a couple of really cold snaps, but I only had to drag out my Nanook of the North coat a couple of times. That’s how I rate the severity of our winters!

I like to savor every day when things start happening. I sit outside and look at the bushes, trees, and flowers gradually coming into their own. The birds and squirrels are so happy—I can just feel it. It’s not only the sights and sounds; the smells are going through a change, as well. What a wonderful time to be alive.

What I have learned over my many years here in Omaha is that spring makes it seem as if the entire city becomes nicer, calmer, and more respectful to one another. I guess it makes sense. When we are battling every morning, getting our families ready to survive the cold, it can make the start to our days more stressful than normal. Now? We throw on a sweatshirt and call it good.

Spring also reminds me that growth in our own lives often happens the same way…slowly and steadily. For many of us, real, solid change happens bit by bit. It may be as simple as making a new decision about a habit that is no longer serving us well. It may mean letting go of relationships that we have outgrown or that are no longer are a match for us. It may be as simple as cutting ourselves more slack and leaning away from self-criticism. None of these things are bold or dramatic. They are simple, gentle shifts in our lives that can make our experience here on the planet more joyous and healthy. And who doesn’t want that?

I hope that you are all able to find some time to simply sit outside, sip on an iced tea or glass of wine, and relish in the amazing days of spring. It makes life worth living! 

We’ll see you next month!