A rash of storms herald the advent of spring and jolts of lightening often accompany rain. Some love the sound of thunder and for some it strikes fear…but there’s nothing scary about the lightening bolts that come from new ideas. Credit for “light” being the source of brainstorms is attributed to cartoons rich in pictograms. And since when have cartoons like Felix the Cat or Betty Boop been scary?
New ideas, new experiences, new patterns come with spring and the return of life after a barren winter. Tulips grace the fence lines and our thoughts turn to planting gardens and flowers on the deck. For the ultimate spring experience, take this to a new level.
Learning new things resets our brains and allows formation of new thought patterns as neurons race around the tracks in our minds. It doesn’t have to be anything profound, like the metaphysical aspects of life. Try planting a new shrub. Try creating some yard art. Enroll in Duolingo for a spot of Spanish. The importance lies not in what you are trying, but in the trying itself.
- Sometimes we get brave and try something that makes us shake in our boots. What if you don’t like it? No harm. The important thing is facing fear.
- Sometimes we learn to see ourselves in a whole new light. We stand up straighter and feel more confident.
- Sometimes we grow an aspect to our personality that makes us more marketable. That’s like putting money in the bank.
Here’s a short bucket list of things to try this spring, and jot a few into your calendar for the best spring ever!
Visit a nursery and find a plant for your front porch or deck.
Ask for a new assignment in a place where you need a map to find the store.
Read something from a new author. I got pretty stuck on The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom.
Enjoy a local Farmer’s Market and try making a new dish.
Grab a blanket and enjoy some stargazing. Wonders abound.
You’ll notice I snuck in a new professional experience. You can also try something new by enhancing your performance on the job. Fulfill your responsibilities with a little more care. Be timely in submitting your schedule. Be someone a store manager loves to see. These should not be new behaviors, but perhaps just the honing of present skill sets. The idea is to be a better you.
In all ways large and small, let April be a new month for you. You’ll feel energized with the jolt of new ideas. That’s not a bad thing.
