Pondering Spring Cleaning

So, on this first day of spring, I am once again inspired to write! I've been pondering Spring Cleaning. We started last weekend. It was beautiful on Saturday, and we spent the day outdoors clearing out what winter left behind. It was nice to see some of my son’s yard toys return and the “snow sticks” go away. I thought about “doing the closet”, but frankly, I’m a bit afraid of Murphy. You know Murphy, right? The one the “law” is about…. The one that ensures that as soon as I put my sweaters away it will turn cold again…

I heard a radio host yesterday morning discussing Spring Cleaning as well. Surprisingly, clearing out closets and drawers fell FOURTH on the list of “what people clean” during this time of year. That got me thinking… Why does Spring Cleaning only have to be about bins and closets or windows and drapes?

What if we could clean out our selves? What if we took a cue from nature and had our very own rebirth of sorts? I don’t want to be presumptuous, so I’ll just talk about me.

I would like a fresh start. I would like to have an excuse to change a few things. (I know I don’t NEED a reason to do this, but just like New Year’s Resolutions, it’s nice to have a milestone…) Today, I will get back to basics; go back to the roots. I will remember that it’s OK to crawl before I walk, and walk before I run. I will remember to sound it out and take it slowly. I know that the sun will shine and turn the bulb buried deep into a beautiful, bright, colorful flower.

Today I will give myself permission to dust off the good habits I’ve formed, but have since forgotten. It’s time for them to come out again.

How will you celebrate spring?

Preparation: Contemplating Brussels Sprouts

“April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks ‘Go!’” ~~Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe~~

As I prepped Brussels Sprouts, and peeled off the wilted outer leaves revealing the tender, fresh leaves underneath, I was somehow moved. I thought about two sets of friends who were off this past weekend “Spring Cleaning”, preparing for the seasons ahead. I thought about our lawn, just a few days ago brown and sort of sad looking, all of a sudden green and even lush in places. I looked around at the daffodils, magnolia trees, and buds, and noticed all the birds back around the yard. It’s an amazing time of year, and I am inspired to prepare for my own “spring awakening”; my own growth that lay ahead of me. I am excited to peel off the things that hide the true magnificence that I know in is there. Look out Spring; here I come!