What Spring Teaches us

As anybody who has ever spent any time in the UK can bear witness, the weather is not one of our strong points. The weather can never be guaranteed no matter the season. The typical stereotypical London grey sky, either rainy or foggy doesn’t set the pulse racing like a golden sunny day in more tropical climates. Winter weather especially, whilst not arctic, conditions can leave me feeling pretty blue. However, there is one thing that can really rejuvenate me after those dark winter vibes.

I am talking about when the first buds of spring begin to bloom, I find myself filled with a renewed sense of energy and optimism. A time of birth, rebirth, re-energizing, renewal, and hope. The flowers, trees, and plants come alive with vibrant colors and fragrances, transforming the landscape into a beautiful tapestry of life. Each new blossom and fresh leaf is a reminder of nature's resilience and the endless possibilities for growth and renewal in our own lives.

As a kid I can remember being enchanted with the endless days as well as being frustrated at being sent to bed while the sun was still high in the sky. The sense of time being endless, like you have extra hours in the day. In terms of productivity, mood, disposition etc. Excuse the deliberate pun, but it does put an extra “spring” in our step.Maybe we work an extra hour longer, take an evening walk in the park, sit out in the garden/on the balcony/ by the window unwinding and basking in the late evening sun rays.The extended daylight hours make everything seem possible.

Spring can be an energiser, but it can also be a great metaphor. Just as nature awakens from its winter slumber, we too can embrace spring as a time to refresh our goals and aspirations and . eagerly draw up our plans for the rest of the year. Forget New Year’s Resolutions, although if that’s up your alley who am I to judge? It’s just that spring (here it starts in March way after New Year) is the perfect season to take on new challenges, pursue new opportunities, and reinvent ourselves. I think it is much easier to be inspired by the evidence of the greenshoots all around you to get the motivation to start a journey of challenge, metamorphosis or renewal. Just like riding a bike downhill it is better to have the right conditions around you, the wind behind you to and the momentum to get that head start.

Just like on a real bike there will be a few bumps on the way. For example as much as I enjoy the spring I do suffer from hayfever. As soon as the grass pollen allergy season starts (mid to end of spring) I find myself struggling with sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. However , these spring setbacks are mere bumps in the road, like a detour on a scenic journey or a brief rain shower on a beautiful day. The destination – a season of flourishing and fresh starts – remains just as beautiful. With a little preparation (like packing some allergy tablets!), we can navigate these minor obstacles and fully experience the invigorating energy that spring or our new start brings.

Infact in reality the only bad thing about spring is that it comes to an end and that there will be an autumn and winter (after passing through the highs of summer) before I get to enjoy the next one. Seasons like restarts do offer us a chance to reinvent ourselves, to blossom anew, just like the cycle of nature. So, even as we savor spring's fleeting beauty, let's remember the impermanence of all seasons. It encourages us to seize the present moment, to make the most of this invigorating time, and plant the seeds of our new beginnings. By the time winter is upon us, we'll have a garden of achievements (or at least some strong seedlings!) to see us through until the next spring. Just like squirrels busily gathering nuts throughout autumn, our spring efforts will become the foundation for a fruitful future. Even if the winter winds blow, we'll have our metaphorical reserves to sustain us and keep us warm with the satisfaction of a season well-spent.

Enjoy whatever season you are in!

Vocabulary

Bud = A small part of a plant, that develops into a flower or leaf

Pun = A pun is a clever and amusing use of a word or phrase with two meanings

Tapestry of life = The extraordinary journey of life, woven with joy and sorrow, triumphs and challenges, love, and loss.

Unwind= To relax body and mind after a busy period of work or some other activity

Bask = To lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere

Slumber = Another name for sleep

Draw up = Prepare a plan, agreement, or other document

Up Your Alley = To be the type of thing that you are interested in or that you enjoy doing

Headstart = A favorable or promising beginning

Hayfever = An allergic reaction (seasonal) that causes sneezing, congestion, itchy nose and watery eyes.

Fleeting beauty = A beauty which lasts only for a very short time.

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