Yet, even Spring brings challenges to our self-care.
Spring’s arrival does not mean winter has left. There will still be storms. Spring means that the warm breezes of new life will begin to replace the cold winds of winter. We may still have to ride out a storm or two without becoming disheartened.
Some of my most painful sunburns have occurred in March. We tend to forget the importance of shade when we revel in the newly returned sunshine. Spring brings a burning truth to light.
In the glaring light of a springtime Sun, we find it difficult to see our world as clearly as it was in the twilight of Winter. We may struggle to see all that the new light reveals.
The warmer weather of spring melts away the snows. We rediscover many of the problems that have been hidden under the snowdrifts. Winter has not solved our problems. It has only given us a bit of a break from facing them.
With Spring comes the desire to re-engage in our world, go outside of ourselves once again. We may not be prepared for the sore muscles, new ideas, and unfamiliar feelings this re-engagement demands.
Finally, Spring introduces us to the changes of new life. We may have become sensitive to the “pollen” that makes these changes happen. There is more to springtime allergies than a runny nose and headache.
How do we take care of ourselves during Spring Time Living?
TIPS
When the storms come, enjoy the lightening.
Protect yourself from the intensity of the light with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Be ready to pull the last of the Fall weeds and prepare the ground for a new garden. But do so gently, protecting yourself from pushing too far beyond your pain threshold.
There may be some things for which you cannot prepare. Give yourself time to ride out the allergy.
Spring offers us the perfect time to begin a new regimen of Self-Care. Over the next few weeks I will offer you some ideas for making those changes. For now, simply recognize that these changes will not be without challenges.
Enjoy the season!
Bob