Spring has definitely arrived here in Ohio and it is so tremendous to see the buds, green grass and spring flowers. We have had excellent weather as many are celebrating spring break this week. I hope you are all able to enjoy it as well.
As we move into a time of renewal it is appropriate that we should have some conversation about renewing ourselves. It is so easy to get in routines that maybe are not healthy, positive, or useful and this is a great time to clear the clutter. I often laugh when I think of New Year’s Resolutions. People make these in the midst of the toughest season of the year, winter. Now if you live in California, the southern states, or Hawaii maybe there isn’t a tough season but here in Ohio it is the snowiest, coldest, and most gray time of year. The sun almost seems to forget to shine so it is not the most motivating time but SPRING…..yes, it screams, “come out and play.” With this in mind let’s look at this notion of self rejuvenation.
First, we really should be getting outdoors to play. There are a variety of ways. First, you could walk, jog, or wog depending on your desire and speed. Bicycling is another terrific way to enjoy the freshness of this new season. Regardless, you just need to make yourself go out. The endorphins will lift your spirits and help your productivity in all other areas of your life. I have learned that when I am active physically, I am so much easier to live with. My children will confirm this if you ask them.
Second, we should clear the mind clutter. We have all experienced different things. If we were in Iraq or Afghanistan let’s face it there is some baggage that follows us home. It was not easy and it is not as simple as forgetting. Could you find a way to work through one of the obstacles. Maybe you go see a VA or private counselor, visit a spiritual leader you trust, meet with a comrade for coffee or a burger, or share a positive event like helping to open a school with family members. It does not have to be a negative memory share a positive one. If you are a spouse of a service member maybe you talk with a friend that you relied on during the deployment, maybe you process what is still difficult as you move forward. This can also be done with a counselor, spiritual guide, friend or other family member. I suggest this because it takes a while to live into our story. See if you think of your life as a story then each event is a chapter. Your story is not over. It does not end with the difficult or frustrating chapters. Spring is your opportunity to write a new chapter. So while things are so positive in nature, do something positive for yourself and work to share a part of your story with someone else. It is freeing. The Red Cross tells their disaster workers to share their story fifty times. It allows the worker to live with the story and to control the response to the story. Some stories have a way of controlling us, we feel the racing heart, the lump in our throat, and the difficulty catching our breath but the more we tell the story the less it elicits these responses. So start with one story either positive or not and start to take control of it.
Finally, work on your spiritual life. We will not experience wholeness if we just have our mind and body working for us. We also need our spirit working for us. Think of it like a triangle. Seek to enrich your spiritual life. Maybe that means getting involved in a small group, attending a place of worship, reading your Bible, or other spiritual book. I have discovered that this part of my life is the core of my health. If I build up the other two areas and ignore this one I still have an emptiness. Consider being intentional with your spiritual life as well.
So, we are making some changes. We are getting renewed and energized to take next steps. This entry is about self care but you could encourage your whole household to join you and make it a family adventure as well. Hopefully when we clear the cobwebs we can find more joy in each other. Make your family and friendships an active part of this chapter in your life.
Peace,
Lisa