Right outside my door is proof looking for hope, no farther than just outside.
Never before have I felt more attuned to the rhythm of the seasons.
Before COVID in my life, being indoors meant places like my pretty great daily routine of working out, going to my programs and training for future jobs. Bringing in the groceries or maybe a little stroll to the blocks that have stores and restaurants meant leaving my warm home only for a quick walk.
More than I realized, since COVID took us to our first winter, I was outside making the day pass by boldly bundling up. I’d be slamming into the wind, overcast sky and pouring rain on certain days.
Snow makes walking hazardous. Ice is like a mean monster waiting to trip me. And cold weather hurts my skin. Stir crazy and hoping for a great fresh look at a day, I’d head out into Chicago’s weather. Hovering darkness meant colder temperatures and I began to feel the heaviness that lack of sunshine brings.
Then April arrives. Even on a windy day I’m now smelling the spring grass beginning to poke up, seeing baby flowers and I’m hearing the birds. Some days the blooming clouds break and heavenly warm breezes hit my face.
I’m somehow now filled with hopefulness, lighter moods and open-minded optimism that life truly will be lovely again.