Why Is It That Spring Always Reignites Our Creativity?
Spring. Glorious, blooming spring.
I am beside myself with gratitude for this season. The warmth, the return of the flowering greenery, dappled sunlight and evening walks... what isn't there to be thankful for? I'll give it to spring, coming right after the inevitable, albeit sometimes crippling winter hibernation/ cabin fever gives this season a huge perk when it comes to timing. Nevertheless, I love it.
If you've been following along with our podcast (or my excitable, car-side Instagram stories), you probably have heard that this winter I went through one of the biggest creative ruts I've had to face in the past few years. The frustration was real. THANK GOD some listener/reader insight changed my tune. But man, part of me wanted to blame the cold, bitter, dreary winter season. The truth is, creativity ebbs and flows. It can't always be planned or scheduled. And the same goes for creative struggles. No season brings it on more than the other. I'm not here to bash winter! Trust me. But lately I've been thinking a lot about the glorious spring and what exactly it is about this season that always seems to bring out the best of myself and the other creatives around me.
LIGHT & COLOR
The the promise of longer days, more light and the inevitable blooming of flowers... c'mon! Spring is an obvious winner here. Daylight savings time springs us toward those long, golden hour evenings and the warmth of dappled light dancing on our faces. And it's all romantic, isn't it? Spring is certainly easy on the eyes.
Most creatives are incredibly influenced by their surroundings. Having a window to look through, a room filled with natural light and a blank canvas to be inspired by is what most makers, thinkers, and creative adventurers hunger for. It's no wonder that spring's smattering of pink, green, white and yellow hues is a refreshing aesthetic (especially after a few dreary months) and sure to inspire anyone, creative or not!
FRESH AIR
One thing I love about living in Lancaster is seeing the return of our community during the warmer months. It's like all the cabin fever has finally worn off and everyone is splitting at the seams to just get outside! Suddenly all of the cafes are filled with friends meeting for brunch, the sidewalks are lined with pedestrians and bikes and the markets are stocked with customers again. After many months spent hibernating indoors, why wouldn't people be beyond excited to get outside again? Who doesn't love the first comfortable walk to the coffee shop with just a tee shirt and jeans? Personally I leap for joy when I can finally retire my winter coat and L.L. Bean Boots in favorite of a leather jacket and flats!
The return of warmer days allows us to finally get the fresh air we've been lacking. An increase of Vitamin C does the body good, and our mental state as well. After all, there are only so many days of the year we can relish the beautiful weather like this! A healthier dose of outdoor action connects us with nature, one of the biggest influences on creatives.
A RENEWED CYCLE
For any readers who don't encounter the highs and lows of living in a climatic environment, I both pity and envy you! I mean, 75 degree weather 365 days of the year sounds like a dream! But I know at the end of the day... I'll always be a girl who loves living (and celebrating) the seasons.
Personally, I feel like the ending of a season is like placing a bookmark in time. I can think back to the summer and relish the beach vacations, or recall the autumn evenings kicking up the fallen orange leaves. Does anyone else feel this way?
The glory of living with seasons is the excitement of a new chapter... a renewed cycle of life. Because the fleeting concept of time is hard to grasp, but savoring the little perks that come with the changing weather is one that keeps it all in perspective.
I'm thrilled that it's spring time. And I'm even more excited to see what comes during this new season. I guess I should also mention that my spring is also my birthday season... and who doesn't get a little giddy about our special day and a new, invitation into a new "year"? It's a refreshing couple of months, and I'm undeniably chomping at the bit to have some warm days, sitting on the porch with a notebook in hand (and maybe a cocktail too).