Spring is in the Air

Spring provides families with a perfect opportunity to begin or renew their committment to spend quality time together as families (and I don't mean out on the sports fields watching your kids!). For our family, there is no better place to connect with each other than out on the trails hiking, especially now when the hills are emerald green from all of the rains and the meadows are carpeted in wildflowers! Being out together in the fresh air and open space clears our heads and our hearts, gives us new perspectives on our relationships with each other and allows us to see and appreciate each other and the beauty of the world around us. Many wonderful discussions have taken place spontaneously while walking hand and hand down the trail! To encourage this closeness, I suggest that sensitive topics like grades or consequences be off limits on these hikes. Try to safe-guard this time for discussions that bring you together.  


Another family activity to encourage closeness and discussion is writing in and illunstrating a family journal together. You can buy a blank book, like a sketch book, or make one yourself and buy plenty of art supplies. The kids will love to help pick these out. Take the book and the markers with you on your hikes, find a special place to sit and write, and choose a meaningful question like: “What I value most in life?” or "How can I make the world a better place?” or “My favorite family memory is” or “My hero is and why”. There are so many good questions to ask. Take turns responding and decorating the pages. It’s a great way to reflect on life together and get to know each other better. Just when you thought you knew what someone was going to say, you will be surprised! It’s also fun to go back and read the entries and see how much the art-work has changed; yet the essence of who we are stays the same. I admit we did this alot when our kids were younger. I realize if you have not been doing this, it will probably be hard to start when they are teenagers, but it's worth a try!


Like Mother Earth, I believe we all have "emotional seasons" in our lives. Let Spring be your guide and ask each other:  What has been laying dormant in you during this season of Winter.  What talents or yearnings have gone underground and now want to burst forth in Spring, like shoots of grass or buds of flowers that transform the dreariness of Winter into brilliant color in Spring! Think about one talent you want to develop and focus on this Spring. It could be: learning to play guitar, playing more tennis or other physical activitiy, or doing something creative. The act of writing it down gives voice to your desires and allows family members to support you to reach those goals. With everything on our plates, it's difficult to be a well rounded person and develop all of our talents and interests. I find if you consciously focus on and nurture one aspect of yourself each season of your life, your life will be more balanced & full. This Spring, I am excited to be particpating in an Art Trek weekend with 8 of my friends-thanks Lilly for encouring this. I hope doing art, and not being critical of my work, will get my creative energy flowing. 

Here is to spending quality time with your family and friends and nurturing your talents and interests!
Happy Spring!