SPRING SEASON, HOPE, AND NEW BEGINNINGS

The Turkish Language Association defines the word “hope” as follows:

• The feeling that arises from expectation; hope

• A person or thing that gives this feeling; hope

• Something that is awaited or thought to happen; hope

Hope is the fundamental emotion that gives us the strength to endure the difficulties we face in life. A person hopes as an act that arises from their own existence.

This year, winter was quite tough for me on an internal level. During those challenging times, I kept reminding myself of one thing—hope. Phrases like “This phase will pass,” “Life is a journey full of ups and downs, and right now you are in a down period. Remember! Every descent has a rise,” “With spring, you will find relief; you just need to be patient for now” were things I told myself often. When you’re in the middle of a hard or negative period, it can feel never-ending and unbearable, but just like dark clouds in the sky eventually disperse, the sun always shows its face again. With this spring, thankfully, flowers have begun to bloom in my soul once more.

As nature reawakens in the spring season—with vibrant flowers blossoming among lush green grass, and the soul-soothing scent of lemon blossoms—our energy and vitality for life are also renewed. Spring, following winter, reinforces our hope for a better and more beautiful future by helping us leave behind past negativities.

Spring is a symbol of cleansing and new beginnings. A good spring cleaning in our living spaces—donating or discarding items that have been sitting unused in a corner—can help us feel mentally and spiritually refreshed and relieved. Our inner state is often reflected in our surroundings. A tidy and cleansed home reflects back to our inner world as well.

Here are some things we can do to spring clean our body, mind, and soul:Taking a digital detox for a day or more if possible—or at least reducing our use of smartphones, computers, social media, TV, etc.—and dedicating more time to activities that nurture our spirit; going for walks, exercising, spending time at the beach or in nature, shifting our diet towards healthier choices, supporting our mental wellbeing with meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork, remembering to practice gratitude, and perhaps even starting a gratitude journal. And of course, you can add your own practices that suit you best.

What do you need to add to your life so that most of your days feel as light, fresh, and vibrant as spring?Use this spring as an opportunity for mental, physical, and spiritual transformation—and make a new beginning in your life. Harness the power of spring and finally take that step you’ve been postponing for so long.

Gökçe YILMAZ