Saturday morning, my husband and I went on a frigid walk through one of our favorite trails. The ecosystem used to be full of life, with lush green grass that swayed in the summer wind and ponds that were home to exotic ducks and swans. But on this particular morning, stubs of shrubbery and grass held their attention as they stood inches above the cold, hard ground. 

I realized, step after step through the arctic terrain, that this very place, in two months, would be an oasis of life again. 

Again. 

Again.

Every year underneath the surface of the Earth, life is preparing to bloom. Animals burrow deep into safe, warm places, preparing to hatch eggs or voyage back to their summer homes. Roots from our favorite flowers and trees anchor themselves deeper into the soil as a future provision for growth. The moon carries bodies of water that have living organisms back to their source. Every year, under the surface and beyond what we can see, the Earth prepares itself to bloom again. 

This season when winter transitions into spring reminds me that the regeneration of the Earth mirrors so much of the human experience. Underneath the surface of our bodies, changes are happening every day to our emotions and thought processes. Our emotional climate stirs beneath the surface and what we think, feel, and believe manifests. 

Spring comes based on the events that transpired during winter. A lack of snow could impact the amount of growth plants see or predict areas where drought occurs. Similarly, the darker, colder days of our lives can predict how well we thrive in future seasons or situations if we don’t – like the Earth – find ways to nourish ourselves. The Earth’s focus is itself. Too often, we neglect the emotional undercurrent of our lives because most people hyperfocus on the beauty of blooming without providing the proper attention to attaining the appropriate resources to do so. 

As we wrapped up the walk, I felt incredibly excited for the months to come. Soon, the trail would be filled with glorious greenery and wildlife. For now, the process of winter must take place. 

I hope you find excitement in the colder days or the imperfect moments of your life.Always remember, everything is necessary.