Spring time is here in the Willamette valley and it is beautiful. Flowers bursting forth bring with them a variety of colors. Trees opening their leaves to fill in the empty branches from winter. Birds are chirping and geese are having their babies. Oh my it is such a joy to see so much life flourishing around me. This time of year is probably my favorite. Being outdoors with my toes in the dirt makes me so happy that all negativity gets washed away with the warm sun and beauty all around. My last post was depressing but it was also a true reality. So what can I do to help with such thoughts? I spend time outdoors digging garden beds in the soil. Making new places for plants to thrive and fairies to visit.
Finding joy in any activity can help relieve some of the pain or sadness associated with mental or physical disorders. I’m not saying gardening is a cure all but for me the activity gives me something back in return. This gift comes as a feeling of contentment in my surroundings, peacefulness in my soul, even if temporary, just a basic enjoyment of life. Sometimes when my body is hurting so bad and I feel like pulling one more weed is going to kill me, I just lay back on the grass and look up at the super tall pines swaying gently in the wind letting my mind wander off to some nice daydream. Then back to gardening again when the pain subsides. These are the little things are what get me through.
As I mentioned before, stopping to smell the roses really is good for you, at least it is for me. When I am feeling down or hurting I look to nature as a way to distract myself. My in laws have such a beautiful piece of property that each chance I get, I go visit for a chance to see them but also a quick little get away to their deck over looking the Santiam river running by. The sound of the water as background noise drowns out all the noise in my head so I can just relax and watch the Osprey catch it’s fish and chow down or enjoy what we now call the duck races. Up and down the river they go, wash, rinse, and repeat. They never seem to get bored going back and forth all day long. Relaxing or finding new ways to relax is super important for me. Stress and tension carry a lot of anxiety causing more pain and sleepless nights than I care to admit. Since I live in a townhouse without a yard I have to get creative. The picture shows my little garden on my walkway and front porch. Even this little bit of nature make me happy.
I always look forward to spring and early summer. The best time of the year to commune with nature or to be still taking it all in. Take one day at a time knowing that if today isn’t a good day tomorrow will be here sooner than you think and we get a whole new 24hours to start all over again offering the chance to make the best choices possible as they come. Look to the light, it always outshines the darkness. Go plant some happiness.
My Silver Lining 