Stepping into the light

Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.

~ Lewis Grizzard

Yesterday was the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. 

I will never forget March 20, 2025. I had the gift of time to deal with unprocessed emotions.

Sometimes, we become addicted to negative emotions, subconsciously refusing to surrender them. They have become part of our story.

The day started with feelings of gratitude and bliss of an intensity that I had not experienced in the past. All colours seemed more vibrant. I was feeling at one with everything.

But, as if I were unworthy of such bliss, the euphoria quickly transitioned into sadness and grief.

I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my father’s sad eyes staring back at me. I  realized I hadn’t fully processed the grief of his suffering and passing five years ago.

We were blessed to have him in our lives for 86 years. Life experience was his only teacher. Although he was incredibly bright and artistic he could not read or write. He started working in childhood. 

Yesterday, seeing his sad face in mine, I took the time to process the grief.

I seldom cry, but hitherto, unshed tears came streaming from his sad eyes that I saw in mine. 

My father seldom smiled - or complained.

I cried because he sacrificed so much for us. 

I continued to cry because I did not take the time to teach him to read and write. 

I cried more because I did not help him overcome feelings of not being good enough. 

I cried for him. 

Then, I found myself crying for all those who are suffering, and the fact that some do not have the luxury of time to process their grief. 

In my solitude, I sobbed until the sadness was gone. It was time to let go of the darkness and embrace the light. I expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grieve and move on.

Closing thoughts

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

~ Anne Bradstreet

A wise elder once told me I mask my sadness with a smile and busyness. 

I had to release that sadness to radiate more love and light to help elevate others.

Today, as I post this, we will experience an equal amount of time for light and darkness. As the days grow longer, we can all shed the heaviness of the past and embrace the growing presence of light. 

We are solar-powered. The growth and renewal of springtime are healing to all.

It has been a long winter. It is time to step outside to awaken and renew.