Rays of Hope

​I can hardly believe that we are completing our journey around the sun and approaching the pandemic's anniversary on our shores. For much of 2020, the changing of the seasons and the holidays passed in a surreal haze of sameness. Our safe-at-home restrictions thwarted enjoyment of the rituals that marked many occasions. And the pervasive call to vigilance to avoid jeopardizing the health and safety of those we care about prevented my ability to relax. For me, every day seemed the same.

The past few days, however, the signs of Spring during my daily walks have been everywhere. From the snowbells on the forest floor to the birdsong filling the morning air, the approach of Spring is unmistakable, and for the first time in a year, I feel the fog of redundancy lifting. 

Spring has always been the season of renewal. Plants and animals emerge from their dormancy, and the technicolor of Oz replaces the grayness of winter. Spring reminds us that better, brighter, and more beautiful days are ahead. Spring is the embodiment of hope.

Looking around today, I see so many rays of hope. I feel like I am awaking from my dormant state to re-engage with the world around me. The signs of better times are everywhere. The third COVID-19 vaccine is shipping across our nation. Students are returning to in-person school in my local area. And in the social justice movement, platforms like LinkedIn spotlight strong voices in the DEI community that are reshaping our understanding of racial inequity [check out 'The Pink Elephant' newsletter 👉 https://bit.ly/3e13akF, one of my favorite sources for ongoing learning and self-reflection]. 

This last trip around the sun was a tough one. And even though 2021 has already piled on with new strains of the virus and deadly winter storms in Texas, I see signs of Spring, and I am hopeful. 

Do you see rays of hope? Please help spread sunshine by sharing in the comments.

Snowdrops from a recent walk