Spring: A time for reflection and regrowth

When we think of spring we often think of the outward signs of regrowth - the grass and trees changing from shades of earthen brown to vibrant fresh greens, flowers blooming in multitudes of color, and warm sunshine. And just as the sunlight warms our faces, our hearts are also warmed. We want to be better. We are motivated to be better by longer and brighter days.

Betterment comes in as many shades as the spring flowers. Maybe it is improving oneself physically through intense workouts, or even starting that long overdue renovation project. But for some, springtime and all it's earthly transformations trigger an internal reflection as well. We look inside ourselves and vow to be happier, better people by embarquing on a journey of soulful spring cleaning. We want to shed the dull, stagnant elements of ourselves in exchange for vibrant new outlooks on life. The gray and dreary chains of complacency are broken and bonds of promise and achievement are formed. But what does it take to make this happen?

For me, soulful achievement comes in the form of understanding and patience. I work hard to have empathy for those around me. In doing so, I am growing my own emotional awareness. I recall and try to use my own emotional experiences to help others. In some instances, being able to identify with someone else and what they are feeling helps me come to terms with my own feelings that have previously been elusive or stagnant. That "one thing" becomes clear and I am able to move on. I see this as an emotional symbiosis where there is mutual gain and both of us come away feeling a little better.

Sometimes though, being a better person just means doing the simple, little things that bring other people happiness. We get so busy with our everyday lives that we forget to nurture the basic needs of the people around us. We hear without listening and look without seeing. In essence, we forget to "stop and smell the roses."

I was with a friend today who mentioned how rarely cards or hand-written letters are sent these days. A seemingly small gesture on behalf of the sender, but think about what a handwritten letter or card would do if you were the person receiving it - all that it would say without words and most importantly, the smile it would bring.