The winds picked up yesterday, and the howling body of trees sound like a stormy sea. It provides the perfect backdrop to what is happening during the onset of Spring. With the warming weather and increasing light, my energy levels are rising noticeably. There is an urge to move forward and shift into higher gears.
Over the years, I have learned that early Spring brings both excitement and anxiety. I am picking up the pace but can easily ask too much of myself. It is easy to feel I am falling behind in the course I set out for myself, feeling incapable of tending to all my irons in the fire.
It helps me to observe the first seedlings we sowed last week in preparation for our vegetable garden. The runner beans grew out of their incubator in less than a week, looking fierce, vibrant, and strong, while our tomatoes barely popped up out of the soil, still looking delicate and frail. In a good season, both will grow into majestic plants, producing hundreds of fruits.
Nature teaches me that everything has its own pace, and even the frailest first beginnings carry grand potential within. This time of year challenges us to keep the peace within, without feeling demotivated if our first efforts do not show immediate results. Rushing ourselves can deplete our precious energy prematurely.
I keep a note on my desk with the words carry on lovingly to stay focused. Doing too much (or too little) feels frustrating, but small, patient steps every day will build a strong foundation in time. Strike the right balance by lovingly moving forward while staying attuned to your energy levels. By taking steps that excite you at your natural pace, you will remain nourished and in high spirits.
Published on by Sacha Post. This essay is part of the weekly letters. Explore more essays on spring in the archives.