Awakening to Spring!

Reflections on changing seasons, necessary endings and new beginnings.

Spring is in the Air

Despite the winter chill still lingering in the air, the signs of spring are popping up all around the north island of New Zealand.  The rolling hills are lush green, sprinkled with vibrant purples, yellow and white blossoms springing up everywhere.

It feels light, airy and refreshing after a long, cold season.

There were some nights when the rain pelted the roof so hard, it jolted me awake. I wondered if the hillside towering behind our house could withstand the heavy torrents or if it might collapse.

The fierceness of the storms that passed through the island seemed to echo the harshness of life that so callously bombards the soul. I wiled away the cold hours seeking warmth and comfort in the little winter joys and waded through some old murky places in my inner landscape that needed clearing. I share more about that here.

Necessary Endings and New Beginnings

Image: New Zealand Spring blossoms

Now spring is finally here and the hill behind the house still stands firmly. Except, its landscape is changing. The morning birdsong echoes louder in the trees. And, the pampas grass that stood tall throughout winter, is gracefully bowing down, like a proud actor after a satisfying stage performance. It’s as if it’s saying, ‘I hope you enjoyed the show. It was a pleasure bringing you delight. But now my time is up, I have to go!’

Isn’t that the essence of spring - signalling necessary endings and new beginnings? Our lives echo these states of ebb and flow. As the crispness of winter makes way for the softness of spring it whispers a reassurance my weary winter soul needed to hear.

When the harshness of this maddening world feels too heavy to bear, remember, you’re built stronger than you may think. Just look at where you’ve been and what you’ve already overcome.

That feels good to hear, especially now as I stand at the threshold of a milestone birth year. I’ll chat more about that in a moment. But first, here’s a little flavour of spring.

A Taste of Spring

As winter recedes, it feels like my spirit is stirring with a new energy welcoming the sights, sounds and fragrances of spring. I was pleasantly surprised one sunny morning this week with a craving for my favourite green juice. It’s one I first tasted in a sushi restaurant years ago when I still lived in South Africa. Instead of reaching for the coffee maker, I pulled the juicer from a box in the hallway where it’s been quietly hibernating in a cozy corner all winter.

I chopped some sweet green apples into cubes, added a handful of spinach, a few slices of cucumber and lemon and slivers of fresh ginger. I topped this with a sprig of mint. I piled these into the juicer and let it flour into a glass filled with crushed ice. If spring had a flavour, then this refreshing gentle blend of fruits and herbs would be my favourite taste of spring.

While I savour the taste and freshness of spring, my mind wanders to ageing and what fifty-five looks and feels like?

Reflecting on Fifty-five!

Phew! I need a moment before continuing this incredible journey through midlife. To pause, to take a deep breath and really take in what it feels like standing here, smack-dab in the middle of my fifties.

I let my thoughts and pen roam free across the pages of my journal. This reflective poem is what poured out: Living Quietly in a Noisy World

The Little Things that Fuel You

Whether you’re welcoming the beauty of autumn in other parts of the globe, or you’re ready to step into spring, I hope you herald the changing season with at least one of your favourite seasonal things. In the end, isn’t it the small things that fuel your joy and keeps hope afloat?

Until next time, travel gently on your midlife journey.

XoXo

Glynis / The Midlife Introvert

Are you new to midlife, or need a change to live a more fulfilling life but don’t know how or where to start? I’ve designed a Midlife Roadmap that offers you a place to start. It’s a self-paced, digital course that gives you the freedom to explore your life at your leisure and in private. Click the link below for a sneak peek.