March

March is a month where it seems as if winter’s fingers are holding on by their last grip while spring is pushing itself in head first. The weather is more mild than winter but unpredictable. Depending on whose strength and tenacity wins out, the nights get cold, thunderstorms roll in, and the afternoons bring balmy air that feels like a sweater wrapped around you. Because of its unpredictability, it’s also a month of going along with what comes, one day at a time. One day, you still need to wear that winter jacket that you wish you could wash and put away. Next day, the spring shoes come out for your bare feet that feel happy to be freed from socks. Everything is out in the open, either languishing or eager. Even the fruits and vegetables don’t seem to know when to retire. As the season’s first strawberries and asparagus show up, the oranges and brussel sprouts linger, almost as if their ability to linger is a testament to their hardiness. Going with the flow with daily food and clothes is just a minor inconvenience and annoyance. Going with the flow of unexpected events and obligations is much harder. 

Spring is a season when my body rebels. Unexpected health problems reveal themselves overnight and all of a sudden, it’s a rush to fret, call doctors, and try to fit in appointments in a schedule that’s already filled to my capacity. Once the allergies come, everyday is a small misery of sniffling and red eyes. 

Added to all of these responsibilities is the expectation and planning for the months to come. Vacation plans and projects that I meant to start in the coming months remind me to look ahead even in the midst of the challenges of the current week or day. I either push them off or push through. 

To not be so surprised by the unexpected or to not let the surprise unroot me from my groundedness is the task that spring brings me. I remind myself to take each day as it comes, without letting preconceptions or expectations sway my feelings. May everything that happens be like isolated showers, overcast days, and the occasional, pleasant warmth of the sun.