Springtime: A Season for Personal Growth

Springtime is almost here…

Today while I was enjoying the warm sun and fresh air, I started to think about the hope of spring.  Springtime can be particularly joyful in Minnesota as we finally dig out from the winter snow.  I also believe that Springtime can be much more that just a change in weather.  A special quote by Steve Sutherland sums it up well, “I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that winter’s tough, but spring’s coming. I believe that there’s a growing season. And I think that you realize that in life, you grow. You get better.”

Spring time is good for our mental health.  According to the site Psych Central,  “Springtime is seen as a time of growth, renewal, of new life being born, and of the cycle of life once again starting. It is also seen more generally as the start of better times. At this time of year we begin to feel less sluggish, and become more open to inviting changes – both big and small – into our lives.”  Spring is often met with optimism.  Sunlight, movement and warmth increase our overall satisfaction.

So how do we capture the hope of this season and encourage personal growth that grows like our hopeful garden?  Here are some possible ideas to try:  Discard and donate clutter or unused items (Spring Cleaning!), go to the library,  find a new walking path,  invite friends over for tea, volunteer, garden or take a trip.  Find activities that you enjoy and provide personal development.  The keys are to take care of your health, think positively, care for others, plan ahead and commit to your goals.

Better get started, before you know it we will be writing about the Fourth of July!

 

Written by Elizabeth Hamburger, MS, LMFT

 

Photo source: pexels.com