Spring’s Life Lessons - Part 1

Spring Squash Blossom

Hi everyone,

How has spring been treating you?Mine has had some ups and downs but now that the garden is beginning to bloom (see our squash blossoms above) and the warmer days have settled in, I am feeling more grounded. Getting out more in nature certainly helps, and it feels wonderful to be outside right now before the humidity settles in for summer in Georgia (although it is already making a few guest appearances😉). 

During spring so far, I have had two personal realizations that have contributed to making some changes in my life that are bringing me more joy. One of those is related to the holiday we just celebrated, Mother's Day. This has always been a difficult holiday for me even before my mom passed away, but this year was different. Yes, there was grief over the loss of my mom, but I also experienced so much love and joy. My step daughter asked me to come stay with her and let her show me 'her town'. She lives in Suwannee and particularly loves nearby Duluth. Not only did she treat me to dinner, we visited the quilt shop she works at on Saturdays, a beautiful wine bar and a delicious chocolatier. When we got back to her house, we stayed up past midnight talking and laughing.

While all this was incredible, the part that gave me the most joy was her introducing me to so many people in her life and wanting to share her world with me. It was such an honor to be trusted to see her authentic self and be invited into her world. The greatest gift we can give others is time spent together being our true selves. This realization reframes the way I will see Mother's Day moving forward. The archetype of the Mother is about caring, loving and accepting those closest to you. So on future Mother's Days, I will spend time with those I love with an open heart and an open mind. I think this is a great way to honor both the holiday and my own mom. (More on the second Aha! moment next time.)