Spring in my step
My neighbor’s new bright red door. Poetry carved in the sidewalk. The sound of kids at the playground. An 8′ x 8′ sunken shack in Como Lake. More than 30 pink flamingos (yard ornaments), clearly the casualty of a brisk spring wind.
These are just a few of the sights and sounds from my afternoon walk around my beloved Como Lake neighborhood. All these sights and sounds have added spring to my step and a boost to my mindset after a cruel winter.
Yes, it’s only 37 degrees at 5 p.m., the wind is brisk, and the forecast calls for rain and sleeting snow tomorrow. But I’ve decided, screw the weather forecast. The first day of spring was officially March 20, 2014 (according to the astronomical definition). It’s here. And it’s time to put some spring in my step.
Enough with the excuses. This time of year is called the spring equinox. Spring and springtime are seasons of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. And while we don’t see much of that in Minnesota this year — not yet anyway — I’ve decided to wholeheartedly embrace it. And it worked!
So, bundled up and out for a brisk walk I went. (Almost every day last week actually!) My mission: To get some fresh air, clear my mind, and a get a little “extra” exercise, if not an attitude adjustment. Well, it worked and then some.
After a great 45-minute walk around my beloved lake and the neighborhood, I feel refreshed, renewed and inspired. And I also feel bound and determined that spring has sprung. We just have to look a little harder. The ice on the lake is melting slowly but surely. The snow is almost gone from the rooftops. Kids are outside playing. Birds are chirping. And the sun is shining.
I know it’s not Spring as we may want it or expect it to be. But I’m enjoying it for what it is — dirt covered snow, big puddles and all! So if you haven’t been out much yet this Spring, I say go for it. Don a pair of galoshes, a warm hat and gloves, and check out your neighborhood. You never know what you might see along the way. And I promise, you will feel better!
