Awareness

Awareness. Sometimes, it takes a while to get there.  We require time…for seasoning. Maybe you have needed time to heal, regroup, and embark upon a new and different path. Maybe you needed time to decompress, or to find a new direction. And maybe you simply haven’t wanted to look closely at your life and are just now realizing that you cannot go on as you are. Awareness.

The past year has been difficult. Covid has caused us to be alone, possibly more than ever before. It has placed us in less active environments than our usual routines took us. The past year has gotten us to think about the things that really matter, as well as those which we should discard. What has this past year brought to light for you?

Thankfully, we are heading into spring. For me, spring has always been a time of renewal, a brief glimpse into the wonders of new life. As suddenly as the buds on trees burst forth their leaves, we are surrounded with a barrage of beauty wherever we look. I am looking forward to warmer temperatures and at least the ability to be outside, to feeling less confined, and to be able to enjoy a front row seat to watch God’s handiwork.

I have been noticing, and am a bit amused by the fact that the things I am doing lately seem to be reflecting a desire for change – changing bland to color, moving from being sedentary to needing activity. Through some small changes, my living room is getting a pop of color. My new watch is recording the number of steps I’m taking and I am actually paying attention.

My conclusion? I need to come alive. After a year of sitting far too much, looking at the same furniture, and feeling as though life is going nowhere, I find myself longing for change, for renewal, for a new outlook on life. I have decided to embark upon a journey to awareness. The world can be a pretty overwhelming place these days. Change is needed…everywhere. Action is preceded by becoming informed. Of what have you become aware this year? What things in your life require change? What do you need to know to make those changes? May your newly aroused awareness lead to greater knowledge, a plan of action, and may you “be the change you wish to see.”