The Circle of Life is Simple and Complex

Ever notice that people say "Spring is Here!"  They also may say, "So glad winter is over!" and "Autumn is my favorite time of year."  I believe we often relate to the seasons of our lives in the same way.  Spring brings new birth after the dark days of winter.  The autumn of our lives is that time when we are slowing down but still enjoying the effects of summer, that exciting fun time of our lives.

Beautiful garden all around...and no WORK!

I especially enjoyed spring this year.  I have attempted to take a few moments each day to relax on the deck with a tall drink -- watching the dogs roll in the grass and raising their heads to smell the airwaves. It has been many years since I have had a yard allowing me to do this.  I KNOW! What did I ever do to deserve that?  The fruit trees are starting to sprout buds.  The berry bushes are bursting with new growth.  I have no clue what lurks beneath the topsoil but waiting with great anticipation.

What Do You Hate About Spring?

Can you name five things you hate about Spring and why you feel that way?  When I was asked that question, it took a long time for me to come up with an answer.  

I searched the web and realized many people do not like Spring for a variety of reasons. Here are a few:

• Spring cleaning
• Window washing
• Cleaning the garage
• Gardening
• Allergies
• Going on a diet to fit into the new swimsuit

That was little help.  I don't spring clean.  I'm pretty anal about keeping my house, garage, yard, drawers, and closets in order so the need to purge is not relevant.

In fact, I have written about why I don't clean my house.  I found the secret on how to stop cleaning and share it here.  

Many women my age have come to realize that dieting is overrated.  Being comfortable with your body and enjoying all food -- that's way more fun!

Window washing -- that's a tough one and really does need to be done regularly.  I trade a service for THAT service and viola - it gets done.  

Gardening -- if I had my way about it, I would have a lawn of pebbles or cement.  I enjoy everyone's garden but not the least bit interested in maintaining my own.  So, that is one service I will splurge on and have a gentleman cut my lawn and eat weeds, each week.  

Allergies -- never had them so that's not an issue.

B U T......
I was supposed to share what I hate about Spring so here is my list

Summer is not far behind.  I loathe the heat and have good reasons.  I know many people agree with me on this one.  For a good laugh and 10 reasons to skip summer all together, click here.

Airfares go up dramatically.  It is common practice for airlines to hike their prices during Spring Break -- and totally unfair for those who travel regularly.

Time 'marches' on.  Inevitably when March rolls around and summer is not far behind, the realization that another year is going by rapidly is shocking.  I do most of my Christmas shopping during Spring and Summer sales so it makes it appear even closer to the end of another year. Here's 11 ways to avoid the Christmas rush altogether.

THAT'S IT

That's all I was able to come up with -- sorry.  What about YOU?

Spring is such a beautiful time of year when you see the new birth of plants, the smell of fresh flowers, hearing baby birds chirping and touching my brand new grand daughter's soft cheeks.  This is what makes Spring special but I still want to skip SUMMER.

Do you have reasons to hate Spring or any other season?

Photo courtesy of groupthink.kinja.com

If You Can Forget Your Struggles For A Moment, Why Not 2 or 3?

It didn't matter what kind of day I was having, looking outside made all my worries disappear for a moment.   Outside my window the Magnolias had opened over night and the magenta leaves reached for the morning's sunlight.  If only I could do that.  But wait, I could and did.  If I could forget my struggles for a moment, why not for two or three moments? Why couldn't I table my troubles?

I stepped outside and realized the signs of Spring were everywhere - from the small rhubarb plant starting in my garden to the choir of birds singing their morning song.

Everything was flourishing -- why couldn't I?

Could I turn my back on my catastrophic life and exchange it for a happy one?  Could it possibly be that easy?  

That day, I made the decision that changed my life forever. I would make a daily, hourly, moment by moment effort to see the positive in everything.  Bad things can happen to good people but they do not have to control my life; my thoughts.

When I looked outside and saw the flowers, I had my story idea for this short post which was a Use Your Words challenge.  Each month those participating in the challenge are given a series of words given to them from another blogger to use in a story. Each month I try to turn those words into a true story and this month I didn't have a clue.  

I have had a lot of trauma in my life but so have a lot of other people.  I can choose to dwell on those negatives or..... learn from them and draw strength and wisdom.  I have chosen the latter. 

My words were magenta, flourish, rhubarb, catastrophic and happy. They were submitted by Juicebox Confession.  

I hope you take a few minutes to check out the other bloggers in this challenge - read their stories, comment on their posts and let me know if you find the words I gave another blogger before I can figure it out - as we never know until they go live.

Baking In A Tornado
Spatulas on Parade
The Bergham's Life Chronicles
The Momisodes
Southern Belle Charm
Confessions of a Part-time Working Mom
Someone Else's Genius
Stacy Sews and Schools
Sparkly Poetic Weirdo
Searching for Sanity
Climaxed
Eileen's Perpetually Busy