Spring is finally upon us. It seems like the never-ending cold weather will soon subside and we will all begin to emerge from our respective cocoons. Winter bubble coats will give us way and grant a bit more room on the subways and the lasting sunlight will encourage people to walk a bit more and stay outside just a little longer. As with each passing season, we can also use this time to reflect and plan for the newness and possibility in the remaining nine months of 2019. Here are a few things you can do this spring.
Clean out the closets! Literally and figuratively. I can barely see what is in my closet these days. I have been holding on to dresses that have seen their prime and other miscellaneous clothing items I have outgrown in style (and size). It is also time to take stock of what else needs to be removed from one’s daily life. Maybe it is a bad habit or a bad relationship. Either way, it is time to clean out the closets to make room for new beginnings. It is also important to clean out closets so you can see all that you already have and better decipher the difference between needs versus wants.
Spring cleaning. My grandmother was a firm believer in spring cleaning. For her, that meant scrubbing her house from top to bottom. I don’t know where I will find the energy, but there is something to be said about clearing out the literal and metaphorical cobwebs in our home life.
Register to vote. You may have missed voting in the February special election for public advocate (Jumaane Williams won in case you hadn’t heard). There is an election June 25, 2019, and now is a perfect time to register to vote if you have not done so already. Next year will be a busy time due to the presidential elections and now is a perfect time to get prepared for those important elections.
Read something new. I recently returned from a vacation where I read four novels. C.S.Lewis said, “We read to know we are not alone.” Reading connects us to ourselves and others. As the warmth of spring envelopes us, a good book can set you on a path to be open to receive new ideas and more.
Slow down. The new weather will likely present new opportunities for outings, events and obligations. Don’t forget to check in with yourself. I have written about Seasonal Affective Disorder in the past (one’s mood severely changing due to the changing of seasons). For some, SAD affects them during all seasonal changes. These are serious yet normal feelings and should be dealt with as such.
Here’s to a productive spring.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University, the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream,” the co-host of the new podcast FAQ-NYC, and the host of The Aftermath and The Counter on Ozy.com.