On the (hopeful) arrival of spring

It feels like spring is starting to make its way over. The season of spring is so simultaneously calming and exciting because it serves as a strong transitional period. The arrival of spring allows you to relax, signaling winter is over. The departure of spring brings excitement as summer arrives. It's the sunnier skies, longer days, warmer weather and blooming flowers working together to say you made it this far. Keep your head up.

I don't know about you, but I feel a renewed sense of energy when spring sneaks in. I feel recharged and ready to take on the new season. Spring is often tied to symbolism of rebirth, at least in part due to the growth of flowers after a bleak winter. It also acts like a built in rebirth for those who need one. Stuck in a rut? In need of a change? Trying to take a big step? Spring, with its renewing impact on nature, allows those who need it to start anew.

It doesn't have to be some big shift. The idea of restarting can be scary, because it implies leaving an older version of yourself behind. But it doesn't have to mean that.

Spring can just mean a reason to add a few new good traits into your life — like making a point to do more random acts of kindness. Spring can also be that push to cut out some negative or toxic traits. Maybe you've been taking stress out on others. Maybe you haven't been prioritizing your health, or a number of other things. Spring can be the gentle nudge you need to get yourself in check and make a change — small or large — for the better.

This spring, I'm hoping to grow. I'm hoping to grow professionally, pushing myself to learn new things and become a better journalist. I'm hoping to grow in my relationships, listening more and trusting more to show I care for those in my life. I'm hoping to grow in my health journey, exploring new and fun but nutritional recipes and continuing to improve in my yoga practice. I'm hoping to grow as a writer, challenging myself to write more in my free time other than what I write for work and for my blog. I'm hoping to grow in any way possible this spring. One of my favorite sayings as of late is "grow where you are planted." Well I'm here, I've got the foundation. I can only hope that I'll grow where I am in the months to come.

Here's to growth for those who want it.