Spring in My Step

Spring weather is often glorious – with mild temperatures, bright sunshine, and color abounding as the leaves and flowers pop open.  When the weather is beautiful, I feel compelled to be outdoors.  Unfortunately, when I am in the house or a store, I feel like a child who is missing a birthday party.  It’s as if everyone is celebrating and having fun but me.  I feel disappointed and frustrated.  I’d like to stamp my foot and whine, “Let me go!”, until I head outdoors to celebrate the day myself.

I enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while I do ordinary activities – ride my bike, go for a walk, mow the lawn, weed the garden, pick flowers, sit on the patio to write, and so on.  I simply like to be in the fresh air, especially when I can observe nature.

Today, however, it is pouring rain, but I don’t mind.  In the winter, the rain makes me feel cooped up indoors, with dim light and dreary days.  However, in the spring the rain offers me a day of rest from the excitement of gorgeous days.  I can tend to my indoor chores without feeling rushed to head outside.  A rainy day provides a much-needed break from my high energy and longing.

I don’t know if other people feel that same degree of excitement that I feel in spring.  It could just be seasonal affective disorder kicking in.  On lovely days, I feel joyful and awed by the beauty that surrounds me.  It is not such a bad way to go.