Spring has Sprung!

As I look out my window, thinking about what to write today, I see how green the lawn is, how full the leaves are on the trees, and I observe all of the flowers that are in bloom. I notice the trees swaying in the breeze, I see squirrels and bunnies chasing one another around and I see and hear the birds.  Spring has sprung and it is time to enjoy all of the wonders that this growing season brings!

We have been walking in the evenings after supper.  We like to walk to a nearby pond to watch the geese and goslings do their thing.  The other night, we watched the parents help the young ones to find their bedtime snacks in the grass and to get settled in to roost for the night.  We saw some of the goslings huddling up together, others moving away from the huddle and the parents watching all of this activity while remaining vigilant for possible threats.  It was relaxing to watch these families and to notice that they were in tune with one another and were not distracted by electronic gadgets or other interruptions.  They worked together as a team, one parent watching the goslings while the other watched for danger.  They would trade jobs, but always their young were the center of focus.  The young were free from worry as their parents took care of making sure they had food, safety and a place to sleep.

In today’s world, it is easy to get caught up in all the “busy-ness” of work and life.  Spring is a reminder that life goes on and replenishes itself, even if we are not “busy bees”!  What is the worst thing that could happen if you slowed down for a little while, went outside, took some deep breaths, enjoyed the sunshine and a few of the miracles that Mother Nature has provided?  Getting in touch with nature is an excellent way to unplug from all of the electronic gadgets and all of the worries and stressors that plague us.

Go ahead.  Give it a try.  Explore nature with the wonder of a child!  Observe the garden plants as they mature and come up from the ground producing leaves, fruit and vegetables.  Notice the ants that are busy building anthills and carrying food to their colonies.  Notice the tiny bunnies hiding in the grass.  Listen to the birds singing and watch them flying back to their nests with worms in their mouths to feed their young.  You may even observe some flying lessons!  Notice how quickly the plants and young animals grow.  If we don’t slow down, we miss these changes. 

The same is true in our own lives and with our own families.  When was the last time you slowed down to observe your family or friends?  What about observing yourself and the changes you have undergone?  How will you be able to fully appreciate your metamorphosis if you never slow down to observe the stages of change in your life?

I challenge and encourage you to take time out this month to enjoy nature, breathe, relax and observe the changes in your life.  Spring has sprung and it only comes once a year!  Take this opportunity to feel alive and connected to our world and the universe!  You may walk away with some “spring” in your step!

This article was posted in the Coach's Corner of the ASTD Newsletter for June 2015.  You can reach Kolleen through this website, Linked In, Facebook or by calling her at (402) 499-5547.  She offers workshops, small groups and individual life coaching on a variety of topics to help you create the life you dream of but haven't been able to achieve.  Check the website or call for more information.