Have you ever had writers block? It is rare for me, but it happened! I am not sure if it was March and the tag end of winter still hanging in there, or whether it was almost April with all the elements of Spring. Either way this is my second attempt. I am not even sure where I put my first attempt! Perhaps I was not meant to find it.
Spring is finally here and soon I hope the weather will indicate this as well. I am totally reminded of my time as a child when we would go up to our cottage on Georgian Bay. As it was Spring, John LeBlanc would be at his sugar shack making the most wonderful maple syrup. He had the buckets with lids on every tree and had hammered in the spigots. The very best part though was his horse pulling a sleigh. He had a large barrel on the sleigh, and he would empty the sap into this. I would follow him through the bush as he gathered this precious liquid. Thinking back, I was never sure how he got the sap out of the large barrel.
I must admit I was more interested in the boiling process as the yummy syrup got made. The best part was when John would make us maple taffy! This was heaven for a kid. John, long gone now, will always be remembered for his kindness to all the kids who ventured near his shack. He was so patient even when asked a million questions. One of the kids made the centennial symbol on the floor of his shack by putting pebbles in the wet concrete when the floor was created. I am sure it is still there somewhere in the bush, although the shack is long gone. Every Spring I remember my childhood adventures with appreciation to a very special man.
I so look forward to the burst of Spring flowers that will soon be here. It is my favourite season of the year. I look forward each year to the hyacinths, daffodils, tulips and English daisies. A plethora of colours! Most of all, seeing trilliums definitely herald Spring. The end of winter is so drab and muddy with the last of the snow melting away. The grass will soon turn green and buds will appear on all our trees. The delicate vibrant green that emerges before the regular leaf green is quite beautiful.
My sparrows in their bird houses are beginning to make their homes ready for their babies. This is a resting period before the busy season for them. The swans have returned in abundance and can be seen in areas close by to London. The robins too have returned. We look for them every year, especially if winter has seemed exceptionally long. So far, I have heard them, but not seen them. I am sure they will soon be flying low across the streets in their vibrant orange coats. Driving slowly in this season not only helps these birds but gives you time to appreciate all around you.
I have totally loved having Reiki sessions with friends and clients. Helping people after surgery, at Wellspring or in sessions in my office totally makes my day. I enjoy seeing the amazing results as tensions and pain gets released and balance is returned. I have also trained a person in 1st degree Reiki. I hope that she truly enjoys her new experiences. I find it hard to believe that in 1985 I began my Reiki journey myself and was one of the pioneers in this field. I have been blessed to have been able to practice Reiki in my role as a practicing Psychiatric Nurse on the Concurrent Disorder Unit. (Addictions & Mental Health) I totally love being retired now and just focusing on what brings me joy.
I hope no matter where you work or what you do in your life, you can find your joy as well. This is so important to bring balance into your life. Life can be chaotic at times. Hard decisions may need to be made. Take a breath, relax, and let your thoughts flow. Sometimes you cannot get an answer right away. Sometimes you need to assess your situation and perhaps do a pros and cons list for what is troubling you. You may need to reach out to people for support. Try not to isolate yourself. Seek out professional help if things are too much for you right now.
Never give up. What is happening in your life right now may get clearer with time. Giving yourself time is the ultimate gift to you. Know that rough situations will not stay in the same place for ever. It can be rough to wait it out, but the rewards are so many. I know with me that the toughest times in my life have taught me the most. It has shown me that I am indeed stronger than I felt at the time. It also showed me true friendships and so many supportive people. I am indeed grateful for what happened to me, because I would not be who I am today without these experiences. Now I am able to help others when they struggle as I have indeed lived it. Thank you to all who have journeyed with me!
So Happy Spring and Happy Easter. May you continue to find joy in your life and may all your problems become little ones! Enjoy nature and especially the beautiful sunshine that graces us. Nature gives us balance and I truly wish this for you.
