Springtime all the Time

Of all the seasons, Springtime is my favorite.  I just delight as I watch the buds on the trees and the flowers start to bloom.  I’m always amazed at the consistency each year of the beauty in the world around me that re-awakens; I can count on this phenomenon after the dreariness of the last few months, given where I reside.  

It truly rejuvenates me and also serves as a reminder to me that the opportunity to start anew also exists in your relationships with others or within yourself.  What’s more, unlike nature, you do not have to wait for a certain time of year for this to happen.

It’s all about you
There's an expression that says something about not reinventing the wheel -- just making a better version of it. Well, I think the same goes for you and your relationships. Let's break it down.

Who you are in your essence is fine. Likely, somewhere along the line, you've gotten hurt and wounded and, therefore, you've put up all sorts of walls and defenses. But these are only protections. You can take them down! Sure, it takes work and you may stumble and have to try again; but if you can remember that the basic you, as you are, is good and loving, it will help you in your journey.
To help you in this process, here are some key points:

1.    Accept all parts of you -- even the parts you don't like. Don't push them away but be grateful for them because they are there to protect you.
2.    Think about behaviors you do that really are protective (negative ones) like overeating or smoking or being short with others. First, forgive yourself for doing this behavior.
3.    Choose one behavior to change -- the easiest one first. In order to make a change, you have to be aware of it and make a conscious effort to do something differently.
4.    Expect that it will take a while to change and there will be slips. Feel good about yourself as you make progress.
5.    Know that as you feel good about yourself, you will put out a more positive energy that others will respond to positively.

By doing these things, you will be on your way to creating a "new beginning" within yourself!

Onto your relationships

A relationship is merely two people who are each trying to know that they matter to the other -- that the other person is acknowledging the good in you. Of course, it does get complicated because each one has those walls around them. And, unfortunately, those walls often distort the way you perceive your partner; the result is that you don’t get the very love you want most.
To help in this area, here are some tips:

1.    When you’re involved with others -- whether it be a relationship, a friend, a co-worker, or a family member -- remember that they have their walls, too. There will be times when they’re not acting nicely; chances are something is standing in the way for them to do so. However, if you choose the path of acting in a kind and loving way to them, there's a much greater likelihood that they will respond back in a similar manner.
2.    A relationship is dynamic; it ebbs and flows. There will be times you’ll feel very positive and loving to the same person you couldn't stand a week ago. It helps to know that this happens.
3.    Most importantly, be aware that at any given moment, you can create what amounts to a "new beginning" by how you choose to act to this person. Furthermore, these moments are always available whenever you choose to take them, to make them happen.   This is based on a principle I very much adhere to: Action = Reaction.

So, what are you waiting for?  Isn’t it time to do your Spring cleaning and create a wonderful new beginning?

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