Nature Smiles in Flowers at Springtime

Springtime Tips for De-Stressing, Balance, Joy and Renewal

On the first day of Spring, March 20th,  I hope you are nurturing the seeds of growth and new beginnings that you have been incubating throughout the winter months. In celebration of longer days, I invite you to make time for joy in nature (no matter how unusual your current weather may be). Re-enchant your life, restore balance and de-stress with a walk in the woods, by a lake, on a beach.

Joy-Boosters for Springtime:

1. Come on a Retreat! I have 3 Spaces left for JOY AFTER 50+ WOMEN’S RETREAT : Click for Information/Registration
2. From my book, Joy After Fifty: A Woman’s Guide to Passion. Purpose and Lasting Happiness:

Imagine the inner strength and determination it took for Anne Frank to revive her happiness and to speak the following words. “My advice is: go outside to the fields, enjoy nature and sunshine.  Go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in *God.  Think of all the beauty that’s still left in and around you and be happy.” Being in nature — especially in solitude—reawakens joy, wonder, and inner peace. *Whatever “God” means to you. Click to read about the book.

3. Clear Inner Clutter: Make time to be in solitude, in nature, at least one day each week this season. As you come fully present to the sights, smells and sounds of nature, set an intention to release whatever inner clutter is blocking your deep joy (e.g., self-doubt; fear; judgement; resentment; etc). Find an object and imbue it with your “clutter”. Depending on what it is, throw it, break it, tear it and give it up!
4. Create an “Altar” to Springtime. Make space on a table or cover a box with fabric. Place candles, a little vase with flowers, and various objects that represent the joys of springtime, of what is blooming in your life. You may add a symbol of an intention you have for the season— something you want to bear  “fruit” by summertime—something juicy and delicious.
5. Plant Seeds of Self-love: Each morning upon awakening, lie on your back, hands over your heart, and name 3 things you appreciate about your self—what my friend, San Francisco movie critic, Jan Wahl, calls an “atta girl”.
6. Plant Symbolic Seeds of Hopes and Dreams: Buy some seeds that will bear flowers in summer. Sunflowers are one example. Think of something you want to manifest by summer and plant each seed as a symbol of that desire. With strong intention, feel the joy of anticipation as each seed goes into the earth. Did you know that it’s proven that having something to look forward to boosts your feel good hormones?

Here’s to your dreams, your joy, and your fulfillment!

Loving blessings,

Connie