Spring, the very word conjures up images of rebirth, rapidly lengthening days, emerging blossoms and greenery, and the smell of freshness. In the spring season of the human life cycle, we undertake new beginnings, a time when we change the I will statements of our winter planning to I am action statements. We may begin a new job, career, pastime, or relationship. We may start a new lifestyle or alter the old one. Spring is a time for overcoming the inertia of winter rest and springing into action, to sow the seeds of our winter planning which, with careful husbandry, will provide a rewarding harvest come autumn.
The task of undertaking a new beginning in our lives is analogous to the work of a farmer or gardener in Spring. We must first prepare the soil and beds in which the seeds of action will grow, then plant the seeds and finally cultivate and nourish the emerging seedlings.
Before we plant the seeds of spring, we must first rebuild and replenish our self-esteem, the soil in which our seeds will grow. Our self-esteem must be fertilized with strong belief statements. We must expect to succeed. We must instill in our mind that we are worthy and capable of achieving success, that our seeds will grow to maturity and yield fruit. Self-esteem becomes the fertile soil in which we plant our personal seeds.
Strengthening self-esteem is vitally important because planting seeds is, by nature, a risky venture. We have no assurances of a successful harvest when the seeds are planted, for many factors outside our control affect the germination of seeds and the growth of seedlings into a viable harvest. Some may fall on barren soil. Some may provide nourishment for others rather than ourselves. And some may be choked by the weeds.
With strong self-esteem, we will not be devastated if the full success visualized during planning does not occur. We will not be overcome by feelings of self-pity or remorse, but will see any set-backs or failures as lessons that we have not properly learned. We will then seek to understand what went wrong and how we can improve the next planting.
Preparing the beds for planting provides the proper environment for germination and growth. This includes proper timing, location and the availability of nourishing agents such as sun and water are to a plant. Preparation also requires the right tools and partners. If we seek allies in our venture, they can help us achieve success. Allies can provide us with knowledge and wisdom as well as support our self-esteem during rough periods. They may show us new paths or eliminate obstacles which lay before us.
If we have properly prepared during the winter season, we know we are planting the best seeds possible, seeds that will be beneficial to ourselves and to others. When the seed stock is strong and appropriate for the local environment, the chances of a successful harvest are high. Concentrate on planting each seed carefully. Avoid costly mistakes early, but also remember not to become bogged down by trying to achieve absolute perfection.
Finally, plant joyfully and with enthusiasm. Work undertaken with joy and enthusiasm has a higher level of success and can positively influence those around us.
Once the seeds are in the ground, however, the work of spring has not been completed but has only begun. In spring the seedlings are fragile and require constant attention. Only careful cultivation and nourishment will bring the seeds to healthy maturity as we enter the summer season. Don't assume success just because the seeds have been planted and are germinating.
Refuse any negative thoughts at this time. These are the weeds which can choke off a vulnerable seedling. Make positive assumptions concerning the future of each planting, and take positive actions to assure success. Continue to nurture self-esteem. Avoid being rigidly attached to initial plans, revise them if necessary. Conditions foreseen in the winter may change, so be flexible enough to recognize such changes and react accordingly. Your seeds may also open up new opportunities, be alert and open. Such opportunities may foster your goal.
Finally, there are times when seeds do not germinate as planned or die soon after sprouting. Do not give up, but learn the reasons for failure and keep replanting, possibly with a different variety of seed or in a new, more fertile location or with new allies.
Spring planting is always a time of high excitement. Whether you are beginning a new life or improving an old one, there are many rewards to be found in the process. In either case, remember that you are beginning a new way of life not just living the status quo. Enjoy the season, sing and dance, laugh and love. It's Spring!