But that's not all today marks. THIS spring is different and invigorating, like the refreshing breezes wafting through the windows on some lucky afternoons - THIS March is unique and special, ushering in a new chapter. It was just over a year ago when news of the pandemic spread across our tv's and social media feeds, an ending to a month which had seemed so full of hope and promise, only to be shuffled into lockdown status around the 13th. We'd never experienced anything like this, and the combination of school closings, workplace adaptation and brand new schedules, or more accurately, lack of schedules, took our collective breaths away. As we discussed statistics and symptoms, students and family dilemmas, I'm sure the annual debut of springtime was probably overlooked and under-appreciated by many of us, wasn't it? I remember thinking well, that's great; sorry, spring, we can't actually DO anything, probably as I scurried off to check another grocery store for the ever elusive soap and sanitizing products we'd all somewhat lost our minds over.
It was, for so many individuals and business owners and healthcare workers, an abrupt end to what now seems like a carefree life. As we paced our homes and endlessly tried to create new miniature worlds inside our own walls, people mourned, raged, worried and cried, unfortunately, cut off from the companionship and friendly faces that might have normally surrounded them. It was a wakeup call and a halt to the rhythm and pattern of our lives, so much of which is still to be discovered......but we made it. Not all our problems were resolved, certainly, and many of us lost irreplaceable components of the security of our former day to day existence, but that was then.....and now,, just look at how far we've come in a year. More creative? Flexible or understanding perhaps? There could be thousands of ways in how we've changed but each adaptation represents a form of survival and existence, whether we liked it or not, we got through "that year".
We've come full circle now, and I, for one, will never take this awakening of the earth for granted again. I'm sniffing all the flowers and fresh breezes that come my way, even if I have to double up on allergy meds, staying out later for an extra walk with the dog, going more places to soak up the vibes and beauty and evolution all around me. Last year I didn't feel I could do these things, and as summer rolled in and turned to fall, began realizing how much I'd chosen to shut out. THIS SPRING......I will take more pictures of pretty flowers, pull off the road for an extra few minutes to soak up the sunset, pause to buy fresh, sun-warmed produce from the family farm down the road, talk to each neighbor I come across instead of scurrying on my way. It's perhaps fitting then, in addition to March 20th marking the Spring Equinox it is also Won't You Be My Neighbor Day, honoring the beloved Mr. Roger, a wise man who would always reminded us to see the beauty in everything....and everyone.
Maybe we need that extra little nudge pushing us to get out there, yes, safely and sensibly, but for the purpose of saying hello to more of the people we live next to. Maybe we need more of each other, a new abundance of kindness and appreciation, and a willingness to see and share in the beauty that is all around. Let's give it a try? Happy spring wishes to you and your family. 🌱🌻☘
community advocate • marketing consultant • voice for small business
classic car lover • salt life • believer that "together we accomplish more"
classic car lover • salt life • believer that "together we accomplish more"
