Lessons from the Past and the Renewal of Spring

By Lainee Cox

Since we welcomed in the new year several months ago, most of us have been focused on new goals, new projects, new diets, and new workouts. Everything has seemed to be about new, new, and new. But as winter turns to spring, something should be said about honoring what has already come to pass.

Over the last three years, we have been dealing with COVID-19 and the subsequent recovery from COVID-19. This period of time has seemed both unending and amazingly fleeting. I believe that most people would agree! I have found myself trying to move on from these unprecedented times, rushing to start planning anew. But in that “rushing,” I have also reflected deeply on everything that happened. It was eye-opening, to say the least!

I would recommend that you do as I did and take some time to look back on what you have accomplished in the last few years. Write down your hardships, victories, unanswered questions, and hard-fought truths.

One of the hard-fought truths I have found is understanding the cyclical nature of all things. Maybe it is better said as “what was old can become new again.” For example, old furniture can be refurbished, bulbs planted long ago can sprout once again, well-worn clothing can be patched, and old relationships can be rekindled. What beautiful truths these can be!

So in the spirit of making the old new once again, I extended a challenge to myself at the beginning of the year and in turn, I would like to now extend this same challenge to you. Take the time to evaluate each of your relationships, pinpoint areas where “flames could be stoked,” so to speak, and then go out of your way to rekindle your neglected, ignored, or waning relationships. For me, this means that every day I let those important people in my life know that I care by performing small acts of service for them, taking notice and commenting on changes in their lives, and being the first one to reach out to them.

By making these small adjustments to my interactions, I have felt more security in my support system, a deeper understanding of the needs of my loved ones, and a solid connection in my relationships. But more importantly, I am more present in my interactions with those I care about. No longer do tasks pull me away from listening to a friend, making that phone call, or showing up to a dance recital. Nothing can be more important to me than these people, and I want to show them that truth!

My biggest takeaway lesson of the past three years is this: take time to appreciate all of life’s moments! Be totally present in your life, and deepen your current relationships. Instead of letting ourselves get caught up in the never ending to-do lists, each one of us should slow down and smell the roses! Nurture your current relationships and celebrate the time that you have with those you love.

As the world around us starts to warm up and move into the renewal of spring, we at Spilsbury Mortuary invite you to focus on kindling old relationships and make something old new again!

About the Author

Lainee Cox

Lainee Cox is a southern Utah native, born and raised in Parowan, Utah. She moved to St. George in 2019 to attend Utah Technical University and enjoy her time in sunny St. George. In 2021, looking for a more fulfilling line of work, she joined the team at Spilsbury Mortuary. Lainee is passionate about providing support to those grieving the loss of someone special and creating a personalized tribute for each person in Spilsbury’s care.