Welcoming Spring, the real New Year.
As I write this blog post it’s currently the first weekend of March. TODAY we are 1 week away from the Spring forward time change, as well as a little over 2 weeks away from the first day of Spring. Can you believe it?!
I’ve always been someone that has gotten excited for seasonal change. Even though I live in a place that sees minimal change between seasons, I am still aware of the shifts and welcome them.
“If you accept each season for what it is, you end up admiring the magic.”
The thought of Spring has always been inspiring to me, it’s always felt as if it were the REAL start to the new year.
On my walk with my dogs this morning I couldn’t help but notice the small buds and bursts of color that are starting to come to life around my neighborhood.
The Spring Equinox aligns with the natural system of renewal in nature. Plants start blooming, days become lighter longer and warmer, there’s this refreshing sense of new beginnings and fresh energy in the air.
Winter on the other hand is a time of internal rest. In nature, we find the plants and animals don’t fight winter, but embrace it and go into a time hibernation. Winter can feel long and exhausting.
Yet, it can also feel restorative when we take the time we need to retreat and go inward. When we embrace winter and the slower pace we can better accept the invitation of Spring and the metamorphosis it brings.
This year I am personally embracing change in new ways than I have before. I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and getting ready to welcome a new life into the world. Becoming pregnant in the winter months really allowed (& forced) me to go inward on such a deep level. Fully allowing myself to be in the season, not being as productive as I once used to push to be. Committing to cutting out my bad or unhealthy habits and taking care of my body on this new ever-changing journey.
That being said,
as Spring approaches I’ve entered into my second trimester and am feeling more excited than ever to welcome the new, fresh, vibrant energy that comes with it.
In the past, this time of year it’s always felt natural to do some spring cleaning, get organized, start new health or wellness routines and start taking action on some of the goals I’ve set to achieve.
With my new website, blog space, and regained energy (thanks to the second trimester!) I figured now would be the perfect time to share with you some of my favorite ways to welcome Spring & really seize the moment and magic that this season has to offer.
Ways to Welcome Spring
Spring cleaning isn’t just a cliche, it’s essential for clearing out stagnant energy. What spaces around your home feel stagnant to you? What drawers or cabinets do you open daily that frustrate you because you can’t easily find what you’re looking for?
Tidy your closet, donate clothes and shoes that you haven’t worn in a while. Put winter clothes away, add in new items that feel more aligned with your style.
I have a smaller closet space so this time of year I like to get storage bins and put away my heavier coats, sweaters and boots.
Make a list of all of the spaces or things in your home that need to be “deep cleaned” and start scratching them off one by one when you can.
Open your doors and windows, let in fresh air as often as you can. Intentionally cleanse your home with sage or incense.
Celebrate spring by lighting & enjoying a fire, maybe you have a fireplace inside, or a fire pit outside. Fire is known to be cleansing and a way of celebrating the return of the light. Make a list of beliefs or habits you’d like to release and let them burn.
Re-decorate your home or space. Add fresh photos of your loved ones, fresh flowers or candles, or any other elements that signify a new beginning.
Plant new flowers or plants in your yard, dust off and re-pot or add fresh dirt to any house plants you have.
Go on a color walk, ditch your usual podcast and enjoy the sounds of nature while noticing all of the colors around you. Take notice of what’s growing and blooming, notice the sky above, the bugs and animals around you.
This will help to bring you more into the present moment and appreciate the beauty around you that are coming to life.
Take some time to journal about goals you have for this year, places you’d like to go and things you want to do. Taking time to get out a calendar or planner and mark down when you want to do those things or achieve certain goals will help you to better make them become your reality in the future.
I’ve said it in the past and I’ll say it again - if you don’t plan it, it probably won’t happen.
Try out a local farmers market, purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season. In the winter months we tend to eat more warm, comforting foods. This time of year I like to start making smoothies and salads again, eating more frequent lighter meals.
With the days being lighter longer, we naturally have more energy. This is a great time of year to start a new workout plan or take what you’ve already been doing to the next level.
I hope you have many moments of joy in this new season, welcoming in the changes and the goals you’ve already set to manifest. This year, let yourself bloom with the flowers and flourish in the light. Happy Spring my friends!
