We all have to start somewhere

trying new things, spending time in nature, spring intentions

I used to hate spring when I was a kid. The only things I associated with spring were bugs and pollen. I’d walk outside and there’d be a swarm of mosquitos and pollen particles waiting to attack me. Now, at 19, I see spring as a fresh start. My theme of spring has always been new beginnings. There's a comforting warmth in the air, one that makes you want to change. Your hair, your clothes, your life. With spring, comes rebirth. This season I want to try new things, spend more time outside, and layout my intentions.

Trying new things can feel uncomfortable at first but ultimately rewarding. This blog is a new thing for me. I’ve never been this open on social media so starting this was definitely intimidating (it still is). I posted my first blog in September and in that short amount of time, I’ve changed. I can say that I am a completely different person than I was 6 months ago. I am more positive, creative, open-minded, and more comfortable on social media. I’ve been interacting and posting more than I’ve ever done (I’ve has social media since 4th grade). Another new thing I’ve been wanting to try is journaling and YouTube. When I say journaling, I mean truly putting all my thoughts on paper and truly reflecting on them. I usually write a few short sentences that are surface level and leave it at that. I also have long breaks in between my entries (my longest being 1 year). I write like it’s supposed to perfect, as if someone else is going to read it. I try to make everything grammatically correct and make sure there are no smelling mistakes. I used my journal as if it’s for the world and not me. So, this spring I am going to journal for me, imperfectly.

I’ve wanted a YouTube channel since I was a kid. I used to post videos constantly. The most views I got was 45, which I was proud of. Then I got insecure and stopped. I started to post again in middle school but once again, insecurity struck, and I stopped. Then my friend, sister, and I decided to start one together. Surprise! That didn’t work out either. Now I want to start one again. This time things will be different. I don’t want it to be my career, just a hobby and a way to record my life. I have full creative control, and I don’t have to have a niche because it’s just for me. I won’t worry about views, likes, or subscribers. I want to keep it fun and that’s what I’ll do. Both this blog and starting a YouTube channel are out of my comfort zone, but they are making me more creative and fulfilled.

Recently, I’ve been wanting to connect with nature. Winter is finally over, and it makes me appreciate the sun and greenery even more. Spending time in nature has helped me feel more grounded and inspired. I get to sit with my thoughts with no phone, music, or other people. I can just reflect on who I am, where I am, and where I want to be. I’ve been walking, journaling outside, and just sitting in the sun. It’s been really nice and relaxing. I also want to start having picnics on the weekends. The sun has only been out for a couple weeks, and I already feel happier.

Now, I want to get into my intentions for spring. First, I want to live more freely. I feel like I live my life based on other people and that’s been holding me back for a long time. I also want to incorporate slower mornings into my routine. I often feel rushed in the mornings, and I want to start taking more time for myself. I want to allow myself to wake up. Next, I want to curate a night routine. I usually just do whatever until bed and I think it’s hindering my sleep. I want to spend more time in the sun because it’s good for me. I also want to get back into my hobbies. College and work take up a lot of my time and I do think having hobbies outside of academia is important. Now the most important things I want to do this season, and really the rest of my life, are read deeply, take better care of myself, and have more fun and stop worrying so much.

That’s all I have for you today! If you’ve made it to the end of this post, what’s one new thing you’ve been curious to try? What’s an intention you want to set for this season No matter what your goals or intentions for spring are, we all have to start somewhere.

With that being said, I’ll leave you with some parting words

“The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” — Harriet Ann Jacobs