Finally, after what seems like a winter that has gone on forever, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Daylight Saving Time is in place and the bright yellow daffodils are blooming.
Spring break is only weeks away, so summer can’t be far behind. That very thought should make a lot of young people smile in anticipation and some older people wonder where the time has gone.
Before thoughts of summer plans overtake your brain, how about taking some time to focus on the possibility of new beginnings? For some, this winter has been harsh in ways far beyond the weather.
Julie BaumgardnerPerhaps marriage has become complicated or hours have been spent worrying about a wayward child. Maybe you have been caring for a loved one through an extended illness. Someone who recently experienced the death of her dad in the midst of several other losses said she felt like it was just about more than any one person could handle.
When hard times persist, it often feels like walking in a dense fog, straining to see your way when all you can really see is the next step in front of you. So what do you do while you are waiting for the fog to clear?
* In the midst of it all you can remind yourself that, just like spring follows winter, the sun will shine again.
* Change your mindset. Whatever you choose to focus on grows. When life is hard, it is easy to get caught up in the negative. The more your mind focuses on the negative aspects of the situation, the more it will start automatically noticing all that is bad. Your focus becomes your filter for how you see life. Train your mind to look for the positive and be thankful.
* Resist letting fear define you and the way you live your life.
* It is possible to choose to be joyful in the midst of incredibly difficult circumstances. It doesn’t mean avoiding reality; it means that, even in the midst of being thrown a curve ball, you still swing for the fences.
* Create and activate a plan to care for yourself. It is hard to deal with complicated situations when you are running on empty. Physical exercise generates new brain cells and that feels good. It’s like taking a mini-vacation, strengthening the immune system and helping us think more clearly in the tough times.
* Ask for what you need. People are often willing to help but may have no idea how to be helpful. Instead of waiting on them to ask, tell them what they can do to assist you. You are only alone until you ask for help.
* Do some emotional spring cleaning. Let go of bitterness, regret, resentment, anger or the “what could have beens” that clutter up your heart and mind.
Author Maria Robinson sums it up nicely when she says, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
Julie Baumgardner is president and CEO of First Things First. Contact her at julieb@firstthings.org.