1999-2019: Celebrating 20 Year of Ripples
Ripples #1034: Spring Blossoms!
Mar 18, 2019
PEBBLE
Spring can blossom in my heart even before it blossoms in the soil.
-Julie Ingram, written and shared by Julie in Christiansburg, VA
BOULDER
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
-Anne Bradstreet, shared by Thomas in Ft. Myers, FL via Values.com
PONDER
While we are just a few days away from the official start of spring, there may be things keeping you from anticipating a sense of renewal that we tend to associate with its arrival. The weather, a hectic schedule, or just some big “stuff” on your plate right now could dampen your mood and prevent you from embracing a “it’s time to sprout” mindset.
Even if the temperature or your to-do list isn’t cooperating, perhaps you could consider experimenting with some internal spring cleaning:
Declutter thoughts and feelings.
Jot down a list of things that have been festering lately and decide which can be easily tossed out and which ones need tending to.
Plant some new habits.
Identify a couple of activities that would increase effectiveness and/or enjoyment in work or life and experiment with cultivating routines that allow them to happen.
Clean up past hurts.
If there are psychic wounds that need tending to, it may be time to extend an olive branch and ask for forgiveness or make time to connect with a counselor (or trusted friend) to process unfinished work.
Stretch.
Just as it’s important to warm up muscles before we start exercising, we can also prepare for an upcoming growth spurt by stretching beyond our comfort zone. Tackling a challenging project, taking up a new hobby, or even watching a movie from a “not your usual genre” can help as grow into the next version of ourselves.
Keep in mind that each day only has a minute or two of added daylight this time of year, and yet those small shifts will soon add up to a few extra hours of daylight each and every day. Small, daily efforts now can lead to sunnier, more enjoyable days quite soon!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy