By: C. Michelle Bryant
As many of you know, I love spring. The weather is getting warmer but still carries a brisk breeze, trees are proudly showing signs of new life and things are blooming in glorious colors all around us.
To mi, spring is a time for new growth and new beginnings. Many people begin that sentiment in January at the cusp of a new year, but I look at spring in that way. Lately, I find it ironic that many things are developing in my own life right now. So many changes and new beginnings.
In addition to getting this issue out, I recently witnessed my own baby girl give birth to my fourth grandchild, my second granddaughter. I’m also in the process of buying a house with my husband and single-handedly conducting all the downsizing, packing, moving arrangements and all the “joys” (sarcasm there) that moving entails because he has been out of town on business.
These monumental moments are both exasperating and thrilling to mi. Although I would not change any of them one bit, I must admit I am overwhelmed to be dealing with all of them in the same season in my life. But, like spring, I look forward to new growth, adventure and the excitement of these journeys.
The new issue is colorful, lovely and filled with countless inspirations, advice and stories sure to impact anyone who picks it up to read. My new granddaughter is perfect, beautiful and has already brought such love and joy to those in which she has come in contact. My new home, though much smaller, will be the first home my husband and I have “bought” together. I look forward to making it OUR home—filled with our personality, quirks and style—and entertaining family and friends when they come to visit.
As well, in this season, spring has allowed mi the opportunity to clean. Not just my physical house (downsizing is serious work, especially when you’re sentimental like mi) but also my spiritual house consisting of my mind, thoughts and attitude. My physical house cleaning goes beyond the mop bucket right now, as I am going through the closets and getting rid of my “I’ll be that size someday” clothes, selling items I haven’t used or no longer need and so forth. It is a kind of purging that I am surprised to find refreshing.
Without going into detail, during the birth of my granddaughter, I was given an opportunity to witness things and choose my perspective, perception and attitude on various situations and circumstances. As a result, I was blessed as an observer and a mother with sharing a joyous time of peace, love and forgiveness as a new life was welcomed into the world and placed in the arms of two loving parents filled with dreams and hopes for their new princess. I was also reminded how precious relationships are and how tremendous an impact our actions and reactions influence others. I left their side and came home filled with pride, joy, peace and an excitement for the new growth and new beginning that had blossomed before my very eyes. Welcome, Teagan Grace. Welcome great adventures, budding beginnings and great growth. Welcome, spring.
stay, fabulous, stay you!
“mi”