It has taken a long time for it to feel like spring here in Ohio. The trees have bloomed, the grass and leaves are now a lush green. We have had a good deal of rain to provide us with beautiful landscapes. My lilacs are done blooming and the peonies are now beautiful. What will be next? Spring shows us that new life, new chances, and a new outlook on life are all open to us. Have you found a new energy as the days grow warmer?

I am motivated to work on many projects around our house. Trim needs to be painted, the porch glider is in need of a refresh, the windows are to be washed so the screens can be put in, etc. Whew! I am exhausted already. I will feel calmer and more at peace when my house is in order and I can enjoy the fruits of my labors and the weather on its way. I find my energy is different as I get older, and while I can’t wait to enjoy the end results, I know it will take longer than I wish to accomplish my to do list. So I will pace myself. My word for this year is balance - finding the right equilibrium between different areas of my life to achieve overall health and happiness. Every day I look at a picture I have over my desk that shows a cairn with one rock balancing over the one below. It is there to remind me of the importance of balance. Nature balances each season. Every flora and fauna has a reason. Such it is with us - each month has a reason, and a balance. There is beauty in each season of our lives, we just have to keep our eyes open.