Learning to Bloom Anyway

Today, for the first time in 48 days, I decided not to be sad or feel sorry for myself. So I got up, did a workout, went for a walk outside, listened to the birds, smelled the lilacs, and picked myself a little bouquet.

I can’t control every situation, but I can control my mindset, so I’m choosing to be happy. I know it might not last and I’ll probably feel sad again, but when I do, I’ll just continue to choose to be happy.

It’s like when I’m cold and I just pretend that I’m really toasty warm and it actually works because then I do feel less cold.

I decided to create a list of all the little things happening outside around me right now to come back to whenever I need it. I love all the seasons, but I’m especially grateful to experience spring right now in my current season.

No one can take away what belongs to all of us—the Earth. And no one can take away the way I see and experience the natural world or how healing it feels to me.

Maybe if you need a little joy in your life, you can use these for inspiration as well.

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Driving through town and seeing all the different colors of tulips.

The warmth of the sun even though it’s currently still in the 50s.

The smell of dirt and earth after it rains.

Watching clouds move slowly across a blue sky.

The ability to walk outside each day without my phone or any other distractions.

Stopping by my sisters house on my walks just to smell the lilacs.

Green grass and leaves on trees.

Apple blossoms.

Seeing farmers planting in the fields and knowing that in a couple weeks there will be cute little corn and soybean sprouts.

Hearing and seeing all the different birds.

Dandelions in yards.

Picking my first batch of asparagus from the garden.

Any blooming flowers.

Butterflies and bumblebees following me on my walks.

Longer days.

A soft breeze that feels warm again.

Vibrant sunsets.

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I’m not going to lie, I did get a little sad just writing out this list, but maybe it was more from the nostalgia of something I wish I could experience again.

And even if I don’t get what I want, it doesn’t take away from what we had.

-Leanna