HEALTHY AT HOME
Counting Flowers, Counting Blessings BY MELANIE MOSHER
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pring has arrived and with it comes a sense of renewal, a feeling of hope, and the sight of those pesky yellow weeds. Still navigating a pandemic, remaining positive may be difficult. Starting a gratitude journal and noticing the beauty in nature are wonderful places to start. Walk, breathe in the fresh air, and notice the flowers peeking out to welcome the new season. For each flower you see, consider its presence. It’s a reminder of grand resilience. It survived the long, dark, cold, Nova Scotia winter and flourishes once again. Even if that flower is a dandelion. Instead of seeing the dandelion as a weed, consider it the first sign of warmer days. A stopping place for a bee
The North Shore
collecting pollen. A little bit of sunshiny yellow to brighten your mood. There is much to be thankful for, even now, but it’s easily forgotten during the chaos of busy days. Toast crumbs left on the counter make you cringe, the traffic slowing you down makes you growl, and the long to-do list repeating in your brain makes you tired: get the groceries, stop for gas, locate the library book your child can’t find, pick up the dry cleaning, finish the latest project at work. But, like re-evaluating weeds, you could choose to be grateful there’s bread to toast and electricity to make it happen. There’s a car that needs fuel, and a job to go to. Reading from a stack of books in the safety of home is a blessing, not a chore.
Keeping a gratitude journal is as simple as noticing flowers. It’s a way to note the good things in your life and a reminder to focus on the positive. Things to be thankful for are as abundant as spring blossoms. Naming them gives you time to ponder. Writing these moments down gives them the power to fill your days with happiness. Search the neighbourhood for crocuses, tulips, snowdrops, hyacinths, and daffodils. Also look for dandelions, pussy willows, buttercups, daisies, and lupins. Search for things to be grateful for such as a new day, a friendly smile from a stranger, a hug from a family member, and a sandwich in a lunch bag.
ah! Spring 2021 - 44
