Green. Merriam-Webster lists several meanings such as, “Fresh, New”, “pleasantly alluring” and the ideas of youth. Although green is not my favorite color, that’s blue, the color green always evokes a sense of newness and change. And so, it seems apropos that I’m writing this just one week before Spring begins, which is usually when I think about change the most.
This year, I have been working on personal change. The usual, of course, weight loss, getting fit, honing skills and being better overall. However, I haven’t put the normal parameters and hard goals around these things this year. I haven’t vowed to lose a certain amount of pounds or workout for so many minutes or even that I would write a total of however-many words a day. What is interesting is that I am actually doing better this year in my weight loss and change. I feel happy with my progress and am not burdened with the anticipation of not hitting my goals. Every day I reset and I think about what could I do better, instead of dwelling on what I didn’t accomplish yesterday. And it has been working! At least for me.
Now, I’m not advocating that you tear down your vision boards, throw out your washi tape laden planners or rip up your list of 100 things to accomplish. I still do things like that in my life. I am human and I’m a writer. What I am saying, is that taking the time to enjoy the journey of change feels good. It is uncomplicated without the stress of the hard-and-fast rules I usually hold myself to in order to govern my life. It is good to recognize the good in life, even if it isn’t perfect.
A few years ago in 2016, I walked down my street and stood at the corner admiring the vivid green and yellow blooms. Just months before, a blizzard of snow had covered the same street and I thought about how much change had occurred in a few short months. As beautiful as the Spring flowers were, the snow was just as spectacular.
I’m choosing to enjoy the beauty in my life the way I am now as well as the way I end up because each have their season and I want to enjoy them both!
January 2016 
May 2016
Happy Exploring!
G.G. Gabriel
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“green.” Merriam-Webster.com. 2011. https://www.merriam-webster.com (13 March 2019).
Oh…. I love this G.G.. What an amazing way to look at things and I think you are correct. When we are not so harsh on ourselves, sometimes, we are more successful and can continue on with plans without feeling like failures. Raising a glass to you and the pending arrival of spring. 🙂