What does springtime mean to you?

“They’re back!” I said to Lynn. Who’s back? She asked. “The snowbirds.” I replied, and I wasn’t referring to some of the neighbors. I pointed at the geese as they flew overhead. Yes, it was a sure sign of spring – finally! Soon thereafter we also saw the first robins as well as two doves that like to hang around our courtyard all year until they leave again for the winter. These are all welcome signs that winter is hopefully behind us for another year – assuming no April snows like last year! Neighborhood residents are even placing bets as to when some of the huge piles of snow will melt – only in Minnesota!

Is it just us or did winter seem particularly long and hard this year? It tested our resilience and patience. However, it seems to make it even more enjoyable to finally experience water running in the streets from the melting snow, warm sunshine and temperatures finally reaching 50 degrees and above. This reminds us of a quote by Anne Bradstreet. She said, “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.”

Spring also affects the senses and it does so differently than other seasons. All we have to do is smell the earthy air, feel the sunshine and know that something is changing. Science confirms that spring has many benefits for our health and we can tell just by how we feel with a renewal of energy. Longer days with more light help to raise moods and people who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) are especially helped. Also, increased sunshine provides the opportunity for more natural vitamin D for our body to soak up sunshine which helps support strong bones. Being in nature stimulates productivity and creativity. In addition, spring temperatures are the perfect time to get outside and exercise by enjoying brisk walks or scenic bike rides with friends or family. No more excuses that we can’t get outside to exercise because it is too cold or too dangerous due to icy conditions.

Spring also provides more opportunities for socializing. Have you noticed that because of the warmer weather you are seeing and talking to neighbors that you had not seen since last fall? It seems like hibernation affects more living beings than just the chipmunks! There’s this sense of optimism – and a sense of relief. People seem to have a little more “spring” in their step. We have survived the worst of it and the best weather days are ahead of us.

Robin Williams said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” In Minnesota, that includes opportunities to experience events such as the high school hockey and basketball tournaments. We both have memories of watching the tournaments on TV with a group of friends, sitting on the floor with big bowls of popcorn and root beer floats. Did you do the same with your buddies? “March Madness” will be particularly exciting this year because the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament is being held right here in Minneapolis on April 5-8th. Will you be watching?

As we think about spring, we feel the vibrancy of life versus the dormancy of winter. With spring, hope abounds! We know that the tulips, lilies and other spring flowers will soon be poking their buds up through the soil to reveal their brilliance. The ice will soon be gone from the ponds and lakes. The sounds of the birds singing are already filling the air. The cycle of life is starting anew again and it feels good!

What about you? What does spring mean to you?

Here are some ideas: We shared some of our observations and memories associated with spring. Now it’s your turn. Life gets so busy but we encourage you to take time to slow down a bit and notice the changes that are happening around you. Can you get outside to experience the sounds, sights and smells as spring and the earth are coming alive? What feelings arise for you? Also, what are your favorite memories of spring? We invite you to contact us and let us know what springtime means to you. We would enjoy hearing from you!

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are Success Coaches and owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2019 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.