Two best friends and a Robin

Spring is traditionally a time for new beginnings.  Flowers blooming, trees turning green again, new births.  I want to embrace this fresh energy, so this spring I am making a promise to myself to be open to both new beginnings and new things.

I traditionally have been very slow to venture outside my comfort zone, especially when it comes to modern things. I prefer holding hard copies of books in my hands and turning the pages, my family teases me for printing out paper copies of almost everything instead of just using my phone, and I have a huge spiral bound color-coded mom calendar instead of using Google. I was the very last of my friends to go on Facebook and still get teased about not knowing anything because I am not on it enough. But, I am taking steps forward and using this spring as my…. wait for it, “Spring pad” (Yes, pun intended) into becoming more open minded.

A few years ago, I couldn’t be convinced to listen to a podcast, I didn’t have time, or some other excuse.  Now Mel Robbins
“Let them Theory” has changed some of my daily perceptions, and now I want to do my own podcasts (baby steps….2026?)!   Until recently I was scared of AI, “No way am I ever going to use that!” but last month I opened my mind and AI created my “Mears” illustration (see my Mears article for reference) and now I envision it every time I have Mears.  I forever hated protein bars, just couldn’t stand the taste they left in my mouth, until a couple weeks ago a friend convinced me to try a new kind.  I now eat one several times a week.   

My most recent example is when someone who has been so supportive of my writing (thank you A!) suggested Substack to me.  I felt interested, but overwhelmed.  But, reminding myself that I am trying to be more open minded I signed up (I still don’t really know how to use it yet but I am working on it) and guess what?  In signing up I am already being inspired, most recently by an author named Emily Gaines who has a Substack titled “Tell me 3 good things” where each day she embraces three good things. I love this, because no matter how terrible our day may seem we can always find three good things if we look for them. (Thank you Emily!). Had I not subscribed to Substack and let my trepidation win, I would not be embracing three things daily.

Yesterday, a walk with two of my best friends ( one and two) ending with a beautiful Robin landing right beside us (three).  Today, my Cavapoo snuggling with me when I pressed Snooze, a morning phone call with a supportive friend, and time at my desk to write.  And the day isn’t over!

So, I am learning to get out of my own way, and am finding good things because of it.  I am learning to be open minded to things that might feel complicated or scary, and to realize that even if I’m not good at something or it takes me awhile to figure it out, at least I am trying.  My Angel quote this morning was “Take One Step At a Time,”  and that’s all I can do. I don’t expect to change everything overnight (I still love my color coded mom calendar!) but I can “try things on” so to speak, and if I like them, keep them, and if I don’t, let go.

And if I try something and it fails, at least I’ve tried.  And there can always be two best friends and a Robin waiting for me.

Happy Spring! And loving wishes for trying new things if they are calling to you.