Springing into Change: Embracing the season of renewal and growth

The snowdrops have gone, daffodils are blooming, and the bluebells are on their way. Lambing season has begun and some are frolicking in the fields. April showers are underway and spring has truly sprung bringing with it the hope of warmer days.

The fresh hope and excitement of the New Year has faded from a blazing fire to the single flicker of a candle flame. The hope of achieving all those resolutions has become a faint dream. But the arrival of spring brings the opportunity for renewal of hope and success. Another chance to begin again and let go of the past.

Yes, you can choose to do so any time but there is something about the arrival of Spring that awakens the need for change and growth within us. Just as in Autumn the trees shed their leaves, we in Spring shake free from our metaphorical cobwebs and start growing and blooming.

So where do we begin?

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs on Pexels.com

REFLECTION/EVALUATION

We start with a time of reflection, looking back on what the year has given (or taken) so far and evaluating the things that need to change making a list of these things. We take note of the things that have been going well for us, the things we want to do, the places we want to see, the things we want to get rid of.

This time of reflection serves two purposes: it helps us understand ourselves and what we want out of life and motivates us to work towards the life we want.

Now we know these things it’s time for the next step:

CREATING A SPRING BUCKET LIST

Have you ever wanted to live fully in each season but found that by the time you have time, it’s too late? Me too, but that’s the joy of the bucket list. When we create a bucket list it helps us to be intentional and ensures we make plans whilst giving us the satisfaction of crossing items off when completed.

I haven’t made a spring bucket list this year but in the past I’ve had such things as doing a spring clean, reading a book outside or picking flowers. (I’ll create a post on Instagram for your bucket list inspiration.)

SPRING CLEAN

The next step is the big clean. Getting rid of the traces of the past we don’t want to hold on to and embracing the possibilities of the future by creating new habits and opportunities.

We began this step during the reflection/evaluation stage but now is the time to dig deep into our mental wellbeing and the routines we have in place. Now is the time to renew our commitment to the routines we have in place or to change them altogether.

It is the time to evaluate our finances and stop wasting money. Those unnecessary subscriptions need to go, have you even been to the gym this year?

Do you have a budget that works? Do you have one at all? If not, look into starting one. Consider using cheaper alternatives.

Now comes the actual cleaning part.

In every room take out the rubbish, and create piles for the things that you want to get rid of. Choose whether they will be donated, recycled or dumped entirely. For the things you do keep, organise and let the place look neat.

Wipe down every surface (don’t forget the high shelves that get neglected) and hoover or mop every floor. You could even go the extra mile and have your carpet cleaned and wash every piece of fabric.

BEDROOMS

Wash your bedsheets and make sure to move the bed if you can and hoover under there too.

Go through your clothes and see if there is anything you want to get rid of and then create piles to dump, sell or donate.

BATHROOM

Get an old toothbrush and make sure to get in the corners of the shower or bath when cleaning. Thoroughly clean the showerhead too.

Throw out all expired products and replace them with new ones.

Wash bath mats and towels.

Clean brushes.

KITCHEN

Check food dates and remove mouldy/out-of-date products.

Deep clean oven and microwave.

Defrost the freezer and wipe down the fridge.

Empty out the cupboards and drawers, give them a good clean and reorganise them.

DIGITAL

Wipe all computer/phone/tablet screens etc.

Delete unused apps.

Clean out your inbox and delete unnecessary files.

Go through photos and remove unwanted images.

Ensure malware protection is up to date.

OUTSIDE

Wash the windows and wipe down doors.

Remove any weeds or unwanted plants.

Mow the grass if necessary. Prune any bushes.

Pick up any litter.

CARS/VANS ETC

Hoover and dust.

Wash and polish.

Remove any rubbish and unnecessary items.

OTHER/MISC

Go through cleaning supplies and remove unused or outdated products.

Rotate, donate or sell books.

Organise papers and files you need to keep.

This isn’t a comprehensive list of everything you could do but it’s certainly a general idea of a deep clean and by the time you’ve done even half you’ll feel the benefit of it. I hope this post has inspired you to do some reflection and a bit of spring cleaning to put some life and hope back into your spring. I promise you any attempt is better than none. Let me know in the comments what your favourite thing about spring is. And don’t forget to watch out for the inspiration post for your spring bucket list on Instagram.

“Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.”
Anonymous