Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.
~ Steve Maraboli
Many of us are craving spring.
I know I am.
It’s hard not to.
After weeks of snow, snow and MORE snow…I’m craving the new season. I want to open the windows. I want to smell the fresh air. I want to feel the warm sunshine on my skin.
But the cravings I have aren’t fitting in well with the 6 more inches of snow we just got. Or with the fact that the boys have been sick the last few days. So any plans I had were pretty much replaced with wipes, diaper cream, no chicken noodle soup and laundry.
This past weekend reminds me that there are things out of my control. And although I can’t control everything, I can learn how to stop craving something beyond my control.
It seems like the more I crave something, the less OK I am with the present moment. Because I’m wanting what IS to be different. I want winter to go away, dang it!!! But I can resist and fight it, or simply get over the fact that I can’t change the weather.
Our routine has been thrown out the window. Any hopes of outdoor picnics and zoo visits are shot. And the things I really want to do – like work on my e-course, write, paint, go to yoga, play in the warm sunshine – has been put on hold.
So in the midst of caring for sick kids, I knew that I had to get out, even if just for a few minutes. While the boys were napping yesterday, my husband and I ran out into the snow to take pictures.
We jumped. We ran. We laughed.
And I felt so alive and so free. This was the recharge I needed to carry me through the rest of the sick, snow day.
The snow has dropped. My babes are sick. I can’t change the weather. I can’t keep the boys from ever catching a stomach bug. But, I know spring will come – in its own time, in its own way.
And while I learn how to wait patiently, I can stop resisting. I can stop craving something that is out of my control. I can stop putting my energy in the wrong places. I can remember that I do have the power to change many things in my life. And when I remember that…I am free.
Your Personal Reflection:
What is holding you back? Are you trying to control something that is uncontrollable? Can you let go of the things that are out of your control, and take charge of the things you can change? Start making those changes TODAY, and soon, you will see the true gifts that the much-anticipated new season will bring.
What wonderful photos of you. I know you are desperate for spring, but in the meantime what a magical looking setting (as I sit here in the air conditioning in australia as our summer seems as unwilling to shift as your winter!)
Deb,
Thanks so much. And thank YOU for the reminder that one day soon enough we’ll be sitting in the hot midst of August dreaming of snow! 🙂 Big hugs to you.
Thanks for this Shannon. We have crazy snow here too – this time last year we barbecued for my daughter’s birthday and the girls were running round in sundresses! And I also have a vomiting child. Perhaps exactly what I need is to go and run outside today instead of huddling indoors complaining x
Thanks for your note, Lisa. Sundresses last year…crazy huh? The easter bunny is coming this weekend but it looks like it will be in the 60’s by then. All in due time… Sending healthy thoughts to your babe and rest to YOU. I would LOVE if you get outside and run around a bit. 🙂
Gosh, what a great reminder. My head is stuck in the future. I am sick myself. I am desperately clinging to what needs to be done so I do not fell too far behind … all while feeling so undone about the snow and the lack of spring I feel we so deserve. You are right. We cannot change it. So we must just appreciate it. Love the photos of you. So happy … : )
Hey Shawn,
I find when my body is getting sick it’s usually a sign that I really need to listen and rest – that maybe I’m pushing too hard. I know you have many transitions going on and it’s hard to stop because we feel like we’ll never catch back up. Sending you love as you simplify, breath and find that peace. Get better soon love.
Oh my gosh, I hear you. I don’t mind the snow or the Winter temperatures. What I do mind is DST, but I can’t change it. I am all out of sorts until November. I do crave more time for my art than I can get right now which leads to all kinds of misery. So a nice a reminder, thanks Shannon!
Angela!
So great to hear from you. Oh yes, I think DST messes us up too. I forgot about that! It’s so true…those cravings can lead to misery. I have been trying to fit my art/writing etc. in the middle of my life these days – like when the kids watch a quick show, or take a nap, and although I still long for uninterrupted time, at least it’s little bursts that recharge me throughout the day. Here’s to you finding more art time! xo
It’s so important to take a moment here and there for ourselves and appreciate the moment. Great job and great pictures.