Time for some thoughtful rejuvenation
Can you feel it? The subtle shift in temperature…the longer days…the increase in bird song. Spring is almost here! At least in the Northern Hemisphere. But wherever you call home, a new season will soon be upon us…and with that, a sense of new beginning…a time to rejuvenate.
To add to this feeling of seasonal renewal…we also appear to be approaching a time when our lives can open up after a long pandemic hibernation. More and more of us are getting vaccinated, and the infection rates are dropping. Restaurants, stores, and events are cautiously reopening.
As we venture out into the world again, we have the opportunity to re-energize those parts of our lives that have remained dormant for so long. But not all things are equal. What better time than now to reevaluate what pieces of our lives we want to re-energize and what things are better left sleeping?
What makes you feel alive? What makes you passionate and energized? What makes you feel content or blissfully happy? Do more of that.
What feels like drudgery, like unfortunate obligation? Or even just routine? Question that. Consciously decide if that is something you really must do. Is it worth your precious time and energy? If so, can you re-energize the process or your attitude toward the task?
I’m not saying we shouldn’t do anything we don’t enjoy. Life doesn’t work that way. However, there are things we do from habit or a sense of obligation that, if we dug in and got creative, we may not need to do…or we may be able to find a better way to do…one that doesn’t suck the soul out of you while you are doing it.
Is there something new you want to bring into your life? A new skill, a new activity, a new practice, a new friend?
Let’s take this opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate what we want to rejuvenate and what we want to let go of. I’m not talking about a strictly intellectual practice here. I’m asking all of us to tap into our gut…listen to our hearts and our heads…do the evaluation and then take action. There is no time like the present.
We’ve been given a rare opportunity to hit the pause button, shake things up, and then thoughtfully put things back together in a more pleasing, interesting, purposeful manner. Let’s not waste the opportunity.
Your turn
- Is there something you want to re-energize?
- Is there something you want to let go or redesign?
- Is there something you want to add to your life?
Adorable heading photo, Christie. I like your words “rejuvenation” and “renewal.” A season filled with hope. You pose great questions. “Drudgery” or “feel alive?” I know which one I would choose. And, I see the benefits to shake things up. A great post, Christie!
Aren’t those baby birds so cute, Erica? I couldn’t resist.
Yes, yes and yes. We’re heading into autumn but I think the principle remains the same. A change in season is a great time for a change in attitude or just a few tweaks here and there.
Yes, spring and autumn particularly feel like fresh starts to me. A good time to check in with ourselves. Happy fall to you!
We are not quite heading to restaurants yet. I envy our cats being able to moult while we humans have to wait for the hairdressers to reopen. I think this year of lock down has taught me to value small gestures of friendship. A smile from a neighbour, a quick hello from the postman.
So true, Anne. Cats are much more self-sufficient, aren’t they? I also have come to appreciate the small things, like being able to see another’s smile.
Hi Christie – it’s funny because I wrote a similar post sometime last year (when we emerged from isolation a lot sooner than the rest of the world). I found the same thing as you mention here – it was a great opportunity to decide what things I wanted to jump back into and what I wanted to leave behind and not bother with any more. It’s tempting to stay small and safe and quiet, but we need to spread our wings again and engage with the world – social contact is integral to what makes us human. So glad things are finally improving where you are x
Hello Leanne. The combination of the season change and the potential to be out in the world soon is a powerful force. I appreciate the caution about the temptation to “stay small and safe and quiet.” All of my siblings and my in-laws have been vaccinated now. Larry and I have an appointment for ours. We’re getting there!
Yay for new seasons, in weather and life! I’m excited to see people’s faces again-I miss smiles. And when someone tells me something sad or happy I want to be able to reach out to them with a hug, or just a touch. I’m not someone who is always on the go so the pandemic didn’t totally change my day to day routine, but it made me realize how much I appreciate some things I’ve always taken for granted.
I agree wholeheartedly, Cindy, on all counts! The lack of physical human connection is huge. And I miss the little things…like the freedom to sip on an iced coffee while I get my hair or my nails done. I’m not complaining, by any means, just acknowledging that I took those things for granted and will appreciate them more when they are restored.
Hi Christie, you have beautifully articulated what many of us are thinking and processing right now. ‘Stop the world, I want to get off’ isn’t a saying that we will throw around lightly in the future.
That is so true, Suzanne. Be careful what you wish for and all that, huh?
Christie, this is such a wonderful post and very though provoking for me as well. I literally have no idea what gets me excited and drives me forward after the past year in isolation. I am just hoping with the coming of Springtime, I will be able to get some fresh air and sunlight and hopefully that will inspire me to figure the rest of it out! I guess for now, I am staying in pause mode! I have gotten fairly comfortable in pause.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Hello Shelbee and welcome. Pausing…and being comfortable with that…isn’t a bad thing. Spring is definitely a good time to step out and find ourselves again though. I’m in a similar situation as you, in need of some inspiration and evaluation. Wishing us both a happy, energizing spring!
I looked forward to the coming of spring so much!! So glad it’s finally here.
Me too Dee! Enjoy!
I am 🙂