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Spring’s Promise
Spring has always been a tough time of year for me. For many years, it’s promise of renewal and regeneration has gone unfulfilled. In other words, nothing really changes except my garden, which gives itself up to the whims of nature. That means as I deal with depression, I must pay attention to the weather.
In the Past
Usually, the arrival of Spring brought a truckload of mulch dumped on my driveway. It took days and days to clean up, weed, and mulch. I anticipated this because it meant being outside in the first cool-perfect-hot days of spring when it didn’t rain. This year, with help, I mulched in the fall. It’s been a cold and rainy Spring. However, without the mulching hanging over my head, I’ve been happy to use the few nice days doing light raking.
This Year
Change. Urgency replaced with calmness. The pressure removed. The nice days enjoyed. Let Spring come when it comes. Feels good. Feels better when the sun’s out. More importantly, I changed my routine and mindset. My world didn’t fall apart.
Change can be a Good Thing
I’ve also changed my media time. I have decided that the best I can do is work toward a better outcome in special elections, 2018, and 2020 elections if I am to be part of the men and women who reclaim this country so it’s truly a government for and by the people.
Can’t Change Others
I have accepted that each day will bring its own chaos from the White House and its appointed officials, from inaction by congresspeople who value money over truth, dignity, human rights and a clean toxic free environment – air, water, and ground. Therefore, I may watch an hour of live coverage to find out what the big daily crisis is, read commentaries on my FB news feeds, and, maybe, watch a few animal videos like the baby hippo and the baby rhino becoming BFFs.
Positive Political Action
In addition to texting and postcard and letter writing, I’ve been fortunate to work with GMP and develop a positive political platform filled with issues that have universal appeal. This group has developed an exciting contest that will be revealed on May 1.
Postive Action to End CTE
I’m also working with GMP’s Disposabiity of Men group which is active in disseminating important information on and advocating for the elimination of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease found in athletes, military veterans, and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma. This means ending brain-damaging activities and offering methodologies that allow management of the symptoms. This group is working with The Dr. Vibe Show for an exciting May-June series of talks with people deeply committed to change and saving lives. Look for our big announcement this week.
Change Isn’t Always Calming
So, why am I so anxious? I’ve planned several DIY projects for my garden. Change up the spaces and create more shade. I’ve drawn plans of the grounds, plans for the structure, read plans online watched how-to videos, and poured over possible materials. I have priced out options over and over again, as each new internet adventure has given me a new idea. I have spent more time online in the past month than this whole year. I can’t wait to start so I can banish the thousands of “what-ifs” that cycle through my brain and cover my notebook pages. I need to be doing not thinking.
Change can be Exciting
A GMP Contest, a GMP Video podcast series with Dr. Vibe, and my own DIY garden project. This year Spring is different. I can feel it.
Spring/Change can be Tough
How do you react to Spring? Do you look forward to change? Have a routine? Go from an indoor to an outdoor person? Try new things? What Springtime experience stands out in your mind? Will you share it and let us know how and what you learned?
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Photo credit: Getty Images