Planning for Springtime

It happened last week and it is going to happen again next week. What a difference it made for everyone’s mental and emotional health. Well, I should have known because it happens every year, repeatedly. It starts with increased daylight, brighter sun, and milder temperatures. Welcome to April.

Leaving my house

I am finally making plans to leave my house. Due to Covid, and being slightly agoraphobic, I have been inside for most of the last year. I am not interested in staying in anymore now that the nice weather is here. I will wear a mask, keep my distance, and wash my hands frequently. I want to get out for a few reasons:

• My mental health
• My physical health
• My sense of independence
• Achieving a goal and completing a task
• To chat with neighbors from a safe distance

Walking to the mailbox

I am lucky to have a mailbox about a block away. This is a goal that I can easily achieve by setting myself up for success. It’s always my first step in my re-entry after winter, an exacerbation, or any time I need to feel I have to achieve a goal. My mailbox holds daily surprises, mostly bills, but at least someone loves me.

Going for a drive

Going for a quick ride with my husband is still nice even when it is a bit colder and I don’t want to put on make-up or do my hair. There is really no place to go because restaurants are closed and I am not a shopper, but just a quick drive for about 30 minutes is refreshing. Sometimes we just go through a neighborhood and browse at the homes and the people.

Embracing the fresh air

The fresh air is delightful. I have had several stays in hospital that lasted more than a month and I will never forget the first deep breath of fresh air. Soaking my lungs in fresh air just does me good. If you listen carefully you can hear the birds chirping with delight at the onset of spring.

Planning time

It is still too early to clean up the garden because bees and bugs are still hibernating, so this is the perfect time to do some planning for the summer to come. Time to think about what seeds will you start and what plants will you buy from the garden center. My gardening is done in containers that are high enough that I don’t have to bend down too low to water and fertilize them. I find this more manageable and easier to care for than having to bend for the plants in the ground.

Renewal and new life

We all know that spring is a time for renewal and new life. What things do you look forward to when the seasons change? Do you become more active in the summer, enjoying the warmth of the sun, or do you retreat into the air conditioning as soon as you can? Does your garden grow in containers like mine, or do you plant directly into the ground? Whatever your answers are I hope you find a sense of renewal and become a bit more active in the coming spring months.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.