As we welcome the gentle warmth and beautiful colors of spring, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the power of new beginnings.
If you’ve found yourself feeling as though you’ve been in hibernation mode this winter, you’re not alone. Many of us experience a sense of slowing down during the colder months, accompanied by feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or self-perceived failure for not accomplishing all we had hoped to.
Remember that winter is a natural time for rest and recuperation, offering us a chance to replenish our energy and prepare for the growth that spring brings.
The transition from winter to spring can be challenging, especially if you’re feeling tired, unmotivated, and frustrated. This is often a result of not having taken the time to clear out the emotional, mental, and spiritual blocks that can accumulate during the winter.
It’s important to use this time of year to intentionally cleanse these blocks, making space for the curiosity, joy, and freshness that spring offers.
To help you tap into the transformative energy of this season, I’d like to share a simple practice designed to cleanse, renew, and open up to your full potential:
- Reflect and Journal: Take 10 minutes to journal about aspects of your life that have become stagnant or dusty during the winter. Identify areas—emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual—where you feel the need to sweep away the cobwebs and invite new energy. This might involve larger aspects such as certain relationships or wellness practices, or smaller details like repetitive dinner menus or excessive time spent on social media before bed.
- Choose One Thing: From your reflections, select one thing you’d like to change or start anew. This could be a practice you’ve been wanting to commit to, a new hobby, a lifestyle change, or even a new way of being—such as adopting an attitude of gratitude, joy, or health.
- Creating a Plan: Start small and manageable. Once you’ve chosen one thing you’d like to change or start, the next step is to create a plan that is both small and manageable. It’s essential to set yourself up for success by not overwhelming yourself. Consider breaking down your goal into the smallest possible steps. This could involve scheduling a specific time of day for your new activity, gathering necessary materials in advance, or simply visualizing yourself taking the first step. The key here is to make it so accessible and simple that starting feels nearly effortless.
- Putting Your Plan into Practice: Embrace baby steps. With your plan outlined, it’s time to put it into practice. Begin with very small actions, and approach each step with gentleness and compassion towards yourself. Remember, any movement forward, no matter how small, is progress. Baby steps are powerful because they allow you to build momentum gradually, reducing the risk of triggering stress or overwhelm. Celebrate each step you take, recognizing that each action is a brick in the foundation of your new beginning. This approach not only fosters a sense of achievement but also reinforces your capacity to enact change in your life.
Remember, you can start right now. You don’t have to wait for a new year, a new month, or even a new day to begin. Start with one small change and make a plan to implement it. It’s crucial to approach this process with self-love and compassion, letting go of self-criticism or judgment as they only serve to trigger the limbic system and make change more difficult.
Springtime is such a wonderful opportunity for renewal, growth, and new beginnings. Every step you take towards change, no matter how small, is a step towards harnessing the power of self-directed neuroplasticity and rewiring the stress/limbic response. This not only allows your body the energy and resources to heal but also opens up a world of possibilities for hope, joy, and connection.
I’d love to hear about the steps you’re taking this spring towards growth and self-discovery. Your journey is unique, and sharing your experiences can not only provide you with further insights, but also inspire others in our community.
Please feel welcome to get in touch with me to share your story, ask questions, or simply to say hello. Remember, you’re not walking this path alone; we’re here to support each other, every step of the way.
No matter where you are in your wellness journey, I’m glad you’re here. And know that I’m here cheering you on.
