Renewal

T.S. Elliot wrote that April is the cruelest month. Many people may be inclined to agree with him, especially this year. What a year we’ve experienced individually and collectively. We’re exiting the 2nd winter of COVID-19, this one with vaccinations opening up to more and more people, yet, once again, witnessing a disturbing rise in infections. To me, this is a reminder that we can celebrate the magnificence of science, and particularly, the results of determination and hard work of the scientists who brought us the vaccines while simultaneously not getting attached to the “good news.”

There are variants of the virus, people who are reluctant to get the vaccine, those who refuse to wear a mask to protect themselves and others, and examples of unkind behavior at a time when we need more (not less) kindness. Yet we find ourselves looking forward, making plans, feeling hope (all of which is important to our well-being) and at the same time, we are tempered by uncertainty. Certainly, life has changed and will continue to change in ways we have yet to realize or appreciate.

Spring is the season of rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings. Even though we may not be able to have certainty of what life will be like in a month or two or six from now, we can do what we need to do to take care of ourselves in ways that can ensure within us a sense of calm, confidence, and patience to help us handle whatever comes our way. We can try new ways of approaching challenges, attempt to repair frayed relationships, and begin things we always wanted to try. Let’s commit to entering April with a belief in “the promise of spring.”