Winter has given way to spring. The sun is shining and the weather is a little warmer. Life seems a little rosier and vibrates with possibilities. Along with the winter woollies I’ve thrown off that feeling of lethargy and withdrawal that seems to come with the wind, the rain and the cold. Each day brings a new discovery as trees begin to burst into bud and flowers start to bloom.
On the weekend we walked in the Botanic Gardens and enjoyed the fresh air, the vibrant colours and the opportunity to photograph the colourful beds of tulips. I was particularly taken with a bright orange one tinged with yellow around the edges. It was amazing and seeing it gave me a real lift.
However, even though it was only a week past the Tulip Festival, many of the other blooms were already past their best and were beginning to fade or drop their petals. I had a choice on how I responded to that. I could either enjoy the beauty that was there for while it lasted or I could bemoan the fact that spring blossoms are fleeting and gone all too quickly.
Occasionally I come across someone who feels that their existence isn’t really worth all that much. Maybe their circumstances restrict them and they feel they have no real control over the choices they make about how they live. Some people feel disappointed in themselves for not making the most of opportunities when they were younger. Others have become disillusioned and just lost the energy to try to achieve their dreams.
We don’t always have control of life’s circumstances, but we do have a choice over how we react to them. I would encourage you to remember that life is precious and to embrace its beauty and wonder.
