Spring for Renewal
Spring is finally here in the northern hemisphere, and with it comes a time of rebirth and growth.
I find this time of year to be filled with anticipation in the northeast of the United States: the flowers are beginning to bloom, the grass is becoming greener, and the birds are flocking back from their temporary homes to the south. The sun is staying out longer and at a steeper angle than a few weeks ago, concentrating its energy and leading to more warmth.
The excitement of spring, with its warmer weather, outdoor sports, and eventual summer vacations, may appeal to many of us. Recently, it had me focusing on what I also wanted to wake up to in my own life this season that would allow me to have more clarity, purpose, and ease in my spring days.
There is no time like the present, and it is important for each of us to take time to reflect, reset, and rejuvenate ourselves from the inside out. So, the question that I have for myself and for each of you is: What are you waking up to after winter’s slumber?
It doesn’t need to be a heavy question. I have outlined four areas that will bring spaciousness and gentleness as you begin to wake up to spring. This is a great time of year to reflect and grow. Maybe you’ve been wanting to take care of something around your home but haven't taken action on it yet, or wanting to be more physically active now in preparation for hiking later in the spring or summer.
Not sure where to begin? Below are four areas for you to explore as a guide.
Step 1: Self-Reflection
It is important for us to take time to reflect and to use it as a tool to see our wisdom. It allows us to notice and celebrate how far we’ve come on our path and provides clarity on where we would like to go. This leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves and how we would like to be more purposeful in our lives.
It may be useful to reflect on the following:
What would I like to celebrate about myself?
In what ways did I grow? What lessons did I learn?
What was a challenge for me?
What specific actions will clear away barriers for me?
What activities or pursuits make me feel alive with a sense of purpose?
What areas of my life am I satisfied with? And what areas of my life are calling me to grow?
Step 2: Setting Spring Intentions
When we take the time to pause and reflect, we are willing to be open and truthful about what may or may not be working for us. This leads us to be clear on what truly matters most, opening the door to purpose and meaning in our lives.
When we lay the foundation for an intention that comes from a place of authenticity, then each step along the way becomes smoother for us. When we don’t align our intentions with our heart’s desires, it can result in fear dictating our choices. This will lead us to struggle and experience dissatisfaction, even if we achieve our goals.
By grounding ourselves in intention, we uphold our integrity by authentically expressing our values and desires through our actions.
Consider asking yourself the following questions to set an intention:
What would I want to have more of in my life that brings a sense of purpose?
What memory would I want to create in the next 3 months?
How will I know that I’m making progress toward what I want in my life?
In what ways will this demonstrate what is important to me?
Step 3: Create a Meaningful Goal
The thought of setting a goal may cause some of you to tense up and possibly run in another direction. I know it, because I’ve done it! It might bring you more ease if you’re willing to see it as a game. It’s play time, so let's have some fun with it!
What would you like to have happen in your life in the next 3 months that supports the intention you came up with in Step 2?
There are infinite ways to come up with a goal that will bring satisfaction to your life.
My goal is to complete a quilt for my daughter by the end of the month. I haven't made a quilt in years, and this will fulfill a sense of purpose for me by being a loving parent and creating something beautiful.
You can keep the following in mind when coming up with a goal that you would like to have happen in the next three months:
What is the underlying purpose of my goal? Maybe you want to be a well-respected professional or a generous friend. Whatever it is, come to it from a space that brings meaning into your life.
Ask yourself, “Am I willing to do it?” Be truthful. If you’re not willing, then you’re not going to do it. That is why making the goal have an underlying purpose is important—it makes the goal relevant to you.
A goal isn't an ongoing process. You choose the activity, set the date, complete it, and then celebrate!
Choose a goal that brings a yes to your life, not a no. What do you want to achieve and bring forth into your life (not something that you want to remove from it)? For example, losing weight is not a goal, but setting a goal to run a 3K at an upcoming event is a goal that relates to being physically fit and healthy. If you’re like me, you’ll need to train for this big event. Once you complete a goal, then you celebrate its completion!
Step 4: Ask for Support
Successful people ask for support. In what ways could you ask for others to support you as you move toward the goal that demonstrates what is purposeful in your life? These are people who will gently remind you of what is important to you about carrying out the goal and someone you want to celebrate with afterward! Be truthful and create a way for those to check in with you so they can lend a hand when needed. Every successful person will tell you that they couldn’t have done it alone; everyone needs support!
Happy Spring!
