New Beginnings and The Crooked Path

Little Darlin', It's Been a Long Cold Lonely Winter. Little Darlin', It Feels Like Years Since It's Been Here - Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

As I write this, we are just a few days away from Spring. As I post this, Spring will have arrived. Sort of. It all depends how you look at it. Where I live... in Winnipeg, Canada...

We are one of those areas that gets to experience all four seasons. We are just coming out of one of our long Winter’s. Looking outside as I write this, it still looks like Winter. We still have almost all of our Winter snow, and it is minus 8 degrees celsius in the mid-afternoon. The longterm forecast indicates we won’t really have serious melting for maybe another two weeks. Once Mother Nature decides to give us sustained temperatures on the plus side, the snow will disappear quickly. Usually within two weeks, and then another week or so to dry up after that. So I am still hopeful I will be out on the golf course around mid-April, or shortly thereafter.

At this time of year, most of us here are anxious for Spring to arrive. We have had enough of Winter. That even includes those of us who embrace the Winter months. We don’t hibernate, that is for sure. There is no such thing as a Snow Day in Winnipeg. Winter months are active for us with many taking part in Winter recreation and sports, such as skating, skiing, snowmobiling, curling, and of course hockey. But after about five months of Winter, even the diehards have usually had enough.

Yes, five months of Winter. That is what it will work out to this year approximately. The first snowfall here was at the beginning of November. Assuming most of the snow will still be here at the beginning of April, that will be five months. And that is the norm here. That does not include the possibility of a freak Spring snowstorm in April, which has a high probability of happening. We have gone off the charts occasionally with extremely long, or short Winters. Such as Winter 2021/22, when it snowed on Halloween, and the snow did not disappear until the beginning of May. Or the Winter before that when the snow was all gone in the middle of March. The effects of global warming? You decide.

To Everything There is a Season...

I look at the seasons in three ways. First of all, there are the Equinoxes and the Solstices. March 20 or 21 being the Vernal Equinox, where day and night are of equal length, and this is the beginning of Spring. June 20 or 21 being the Summer Solstice. The longest day of the year, and the first day of Summer. September 20 to 21 being the autumnal equinox, where day and night are equal again and this marks the beginning of Autumn. Then there is the Winter Solstice, December 21. The shortest day of the year. Then there are the Meteorological Seasons, which divides the calendar into four seasons, each lasting three months, and are based on the annual temperature cycle. It follows that Winter is the three coldest months. Summer the warmest, and Spring and Autumn are the transition months in between. I guess that makes it easier for meteorologists, and others who deal with the environment for record-keeping purposes.

The third way is our way of looking at the weather here in Winnipeg. It is not based on the calendar. As I can assure you that quite often we will look out of window on March 21, and it does not look like Spring. Even the meteorological method doesn’t really fit. Here we go by what we feel, and what we see. Based on that, most Winters here are at least five months. We do make up for that in the Summer, as we usually have beautiful weather where it is hot, and often dry. Even when it rains, we don’t complain too much. After all, you don't have to shovel rain. Summer weather here can last anywhere from three to four months. It can be warm and sunny in June, and last well into September. Spring and Autumn vary, depending on how long both Winter and Summer are. Autumn weather doesn’t last long, and that is too bad, as many people regard Autumn as their favourite season. Once the warmth decides to leave it can get cold here mighty fast. And April showers around here, seem to be outnumbered by April snow flurries.

What does my discussion of the weather have to do with anything, you might ask? I mention it here because just like the seasons are cyclical, and sometimes unpredictable, so are our

paths through life. A lot of insight regarding our journey can be made by considering the seasons of our lives, and how they might compare to the actual four seasons. What better place to start than considering Spring. Think of those things we associate with Spring. How do we feel as Spring approaches? Once Christmas is over, some people where I live would like to fast forward straight to Spring. January here is the coldest month. Sometimes with extreme windchills, which make it very uncomfortable to be outside, and dangerous. I call it the dogdays of Winter. But if we have normal temperatures, January is quite enjoyable with lots of Winter activities to take part in. Still, that is where the anticipation for Spring can start. The days slowly start getting longer, and the sun is getting higher in the sky. By the end of January, the daily average temperature is rising. You will need your sunglasses on a sunny day. By the time February 2, Groundhog Day, arrives, many of us are ready for Spring. We are positive that Spring is just around the corner. And then there are others who are sure we will have at least another six weeks of Winter.

That is what it is like along our paths, isn’t it? Many of us are anticipating what is next. What is in store. Of course, that can be good or bad. If we are stuck or off course, the feeling may be “What is there to look forward to?”. These people just see more of the same, and in fact may expect it to get worse. The Winters of their lives continuing. The Winter Blah’s and the Life Blah’s are one and the same. One of the differences between the four seasons and the seasons of our lives is that the four seasons last twelve months. That we can be sure of. The Winters of our lives can last much longer. They can last years. Especially if we remain stuck.

Little Darlin', The Sun's Returning to Their Faces. Little Darlin', It Seems Like Years Since It's Been Here - Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

But then there are those that are looking forward to what comes next. They are hopeful and optimistic. They have decided to do the work to initiate change in their lives. Do what is necessary to move forward, and they are anticipating what is around the corner on their paths. What is next. In much the same way that we anticipate and look forward to Spring. After all, Spring is about something new. Spring is about New Beginnings.

That is what change is in our lives. Something new. A new beginning. It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic. It could be a small step in a different direction. A new approach. A new perspective, or way of looking at things. A new skill. All are meant to help us move forward. Or it could be an entirely new chapter in your life. A passageway. Out with the old, and in with the new. What better time is there in our lives to initiate positive change, or move on to a new chapter, than Spring?

Just as we anticipate Spring partway through Winter, we can anticipate change in our lives. In mid-January, we may not see signs of Spring, but we know that it is coming. We have faith that it is coming. The same can be said about change in our lives. We may not see it yet, but if we are doing the work, we know that it is coming. We have faith that it is coming. That is what faith is. Trust and confidence in that something you do not see is on its way. The timing may not be what we expect, or we simply don’t know the timing. We may be uncertain of the exact arrival of Spring, but we know it is coming. The same is true for change in our lives. We know change is coming because we are taking action to move in an intentional direction, and that has to be good. The change we want rarely occurs because of wishful thinking.

As mentioned, there are signs of Spring as early as January. The longer days. The sun rising higher in the sky. The increase in temperatures. The passing of benchmarks such as New

Year’s Day and Groundhog Day. These are signs or guideposts that Spring is in the queue and will be coming up. Just like when you are traveling along the highway, or Interstate, and you see the signs saying, “Rest Stop Ahead”. These are signs that Spring is ahead. As you move through February, there may even be some melting and above normal temperatures, giving hope that Spring may be here sooner than expected. Perhaps an early Spring. This gives us hope. Spring is on its way. It is time.

Just as with Spring, there are signs on our paths that change, or a good time for change in our lives, is upon us. Just as with the longer days, the increased temperatures, and the sun getting higher in the sky, there are times in our lives where the conditions for change are right. We are doing the work. Becoming more self-aware. We are feeling hopeful. We are feeling more optimistic and energetic. More certain. We see a way forward. You may have planned steps out on your calendar, and as the dates pass, you see that it is time to make that change. The date is approaching. Sometimes you just know it is time to start something new, and that is the magic of New Beginnings. That is the magic of Spring.

Things can happen along the way. Just as we see signs of Spring, all of sudden there may be a heavy snowfall. The temperatures may drop. I look outside over halfway through March, and it still looks like Winter. But I still know Spring is on its way. I not only have faith in that. I can count on that. And so can you regarding change in your life. You will go through days where you see signs and you feel motivated, and then the next day you may feel uncertain. Or something comes up that delays whatever you planned on doing. Things ebb and flow. Two steps forward, and one back. One forward, then two back. What is necessary is the commitment to change. If you have done the work, then the commitment should be there. If you are doing the work, the commitment will be there. The idea is to be prepared to change your Plans but keep the Vision that you have set for yourself regarding your path.

I'll Make A Wish, Take A Chance, Make A Change, And Break Away - Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson

Spring is such an ideal passageway to new things. A break with the old. Think of the idea of Spring Break. A clear dividing line, especially for those with school age children. or for those people still in school. You made it through Winter, now get ready for Spring. You are done with the Winters of your life, and you are now ready for new growth, new adventures, and new beginnings along your path. Think of what a passage or passageway is. It is a path through. A door opening leading to another area. Sounds mysterious. Not only is it a break-through. It is a break-with. A break with the old. That is what change is. We may not know exactly what is ahead. But we know we are moving on. Moving through. To me, passage has the feeling of moving forward. Finding a way through. It brings back memories to me of old history classes where we learned of European explorers trying to find a shorter route to Asia. Discovering and finding a way through the Northwest Passage in the Arctic. The building of the Panama Canal. It is finding a way through. It is intentional and there is something worthwhile on the other side.

Most passageways are not clear. Passages are not easy. There is work to be done. Often there is something in the way. Some navigation that needs to be done. Perhaps new skills and learning. You can see the direction, and maybe even see through to the other side, but the trick is getting there. Think of how, as we make the passage from Winter to Spring, we must plan and prepare, and perform different activities. Break out the Spring wardrobe, store the Winter clothing away. Spring cleaning. De-winterize the car. Take the snow tires off. Clean up the yard. So many things to do as we make this passage. Think of what you have to do, or what you have done, to prepare you for the passage along your path. The thinking, planning, dreaming, and strategizing. You know what you have done and can imagine what else you have to do to move forward. And just as Spring Fever strikes, you are motivated to make that change.

I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone. I Can See All Obstacles in My Way - I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash / Jimmy Cliff

Spring is a time of activity. We move from inside to being outside. So much to do outside. Yardwork. House repairs. There is fun stuff too. Bike riding. Walking or Running. You shed the layers of Winter clothing for lighter clothing. Running shoes replace Winter boots. You

feel lighter and freer. Such is change along our paths, as well. We move from being inside of our heads, and we are ready for action. We have planned and analyzed. We are self-aware, and have ideas and plans for moving forward, and it is time to put them into action. And once we do, there is a sense of freedom. We feel free and motivated, as we do things we may have never thought we could do. We feel empowered. We are not trudging through snow. We are running on dry pavement. You are perhaps awake for the first time in ages. Feeling alive, and not stuck. Feeling as alive as the sunshine and warmth of Spring makes us feel.

With Spring, we see new growth. Before too long, we notice the lawns turning green, grass growing, buds appearing on trees, and tulips pushing their way out of the ground. All related to the warmth, sunshine, and even the rain showers of Spring. Then we really see things change. Caterpillars become butterflies. Flowers bloom. The first robin. Birds chirping. Migratory birds returning. And the new birth. Eggs hatching. Ducklings. Chicks. Animal babies of all sorts. As change starts to accelerate. It is a different world, full of colour and activity.

The same will be with change in your life. Once you take that step you will see and experience things differently. It may be gradual. It may feel awkward, like a baby deer taking it’s first steps. But you see growth. You are growing. As you move forward intentionally, you experience the changes on your path. You will see initial results because of the new direction you are taking.

But It's not all daffodils and daisies. Spring where I live is known to have its issues. One of them being floods, especially if we have had a lot of snow, and a quick melt. There can be an abundance of rain, which may force activities to be delayed, or postponed. But we still forge on. Put on our raincoats and rubber boots. Break out the umbrellas. These things won’t stop us. And the same is true for you on your path. Things happen. Unexpected events along the way, and issues we had not counted on happening. As long as you have the mindset that these things will happen, you will find a way through. No one said it would be easy. You need to step forward with that attitude knowing that you can do what is necessary. Change the plan. Keep the Vision. Pick yourself up. Dust yourself off. Keep moving forward. Our authentic path is a path that strengthens us, challenges us, and brightens us. It is a foundational part of our spiritual journey, and no one said it would be easy.

Here is That Rainbow I've Been Praying For. It's Gonna Be a Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day - - I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash / Jimmy Cliff

Also associated with Spring, are the rainbows after those rain shower delays. A sign of hope. And there is Easter, a sign of Joy. As you encounter any delays on your journey, there will

also be those signs of hope. Those lessons that we learn. The positive results that we are seeing. The feeling that things are aligning. And the Joy of feeling you are moving forward. You are not where you want to be. Probably far from it, but you are working towards something meaningful, and even if you can’t see the change you want yet, you are feeling different. Feeling empowered.

Another activity of Spring is planting. Planting flowers. Planting a garden. Planting seeds. Doing yardwork. Looking out on your yard in the Spring, you can imagine all there is to do. You do the work, knowing that you will not see the results right away. Not for a few weeks, or a few months. The Law of the Harvest governs. You cannot speed up the process. There is a natural process. You can’t skip steps. You plant, water, fertilize, pull weeds, and eventually you reap what you sow. You see the flowers bloom. You have your bountiful vegetable garden. You realize there are no shortcuts. You can’t cut any flowers or pull up any vegetables before they are ready. You won’t like the results.

The same is true for change in our lives. Just as you look out at your yard in Spring, we can imagine all that we have to do in our own lives. But take a deep breath. One step at a time. You can’t force it. You can’t expedite it and expect the results you want. You have to do the work. There are no short cuts to our own personal growth. There is no way to fake the harvest of growth in your life. Some may think that there is some quick and easy way to get the change we want in our lives without going through the natural process of doing the work and growth that makes the change possible, but they are fooling themselves.

It is Not the Destination. It is the Journey

This Quick-Fix and cut-corners approach may appear to work at first, but it is without substance. The supposed results cannot be sustained. It is the instant gratification mindset of our society. Just add water. Just as in your gardens, in our personal lives we cannot have the fruits without the roots. The fruits are what spill from the roots of our planning, and our labour. You can’t skip steps in the process and expect to get the desired results. If the process is A, and then B, then C, and that results in D, that is the process that you must follow. You can’t go from A directly to D. To get to D, you must first go through B and C. And that is a struggle that many of us face when it comes to change. But the seasons are the prime example of how you can’t do that. Spring is the beginning of the process, and you cannot have the harvest of Fall, if you don’t do the work in Spring, pass through Summer. Growth comes from the process. Trust the journey that you are on.

Of course, we don’t have to wait until Spring to initiate change in our lives. We can do that at any time. This brings to mind a commercial that was played incessantly on television and

radio when I was a child. It was a commercial from a campaign meant to get trades people work throughout the year, and not just in the Spring and Summer months. It was accompanied by one of those jingles that sticks in your mind. Although I have not heard it for well over fifty years, I can still play it in my mind. “Why wait for Spring? Do it now...”. According to Tony Robbins, “Change happens when the pain of staying the same, is greater than the pain of change”. And that can happen at any time of the year. And it is your decision. You will know when it is time. If you start now, so will your growth. But there is no growth without pain. Something, or someone, is always getting left behind. The term “growing pains” is correct. Just like physical exercise grows our muscles. Personal growth also grows our mental muscles and our emotional muscles. Just like you will be sore after a physical workout, your mental and emotional strength will be tested with personal growth. Growth happens when you refuse comfort.

Change isn’t easy, but it is the only path to growth. Challenge is the only path to growth. Change is inevitable, but personal change is a choice. Growth is hard. Change is hard. But staying where you don’t belong, where you are unhappy, and where you are unfulfilled is even harder. Growth and change will take place when you finally get tired of being okay with things that you really are not okay with. Just think. If you do one thing each day to better yourself, imagine where you would be in a year. That is the hope that Spring brings us.

Growth is uncomfortable because you have never seen it before. You have never seen this version of you. So give yourself a little grace and breathe through it. You will be okay. More than okay. Safe bets aren’t really how we are meant to live this great adventure called life. An adventure calls for us to be brave, bold, and daring. It calls us to face uncertainty, and it requires us to take a leap of faith into the unknown.

What Lies Behind Us, and What Lies Before Us, Are Tiny Matters Compared to What Lies Within Us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

You don’t need a new year, a new season, or a new month to make a change. All you need is a new mindset, a new focus, and a new commitment to becoming your best self. Know this. When you are ready to start putting yourself back together, and remembering who you are, there is not much that will stop you.

It is time for New Beginnings. Time to Make That Change. Your journey is not the same as mine, and my journey is not yours, but when our Crooked Paths converge, may we encourage each other. And that is when....

I will see you on the Crooked Path

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Check Your CPS (Crooked Path System) - From time to time, I will include an activity that compliments the content of my blog. My intention is to help make what I write more meaningful to you, and help you relate to your own personal journey.

Just as we have become accustomed to checking our GPS to keep us on track, see where we have been, and consider the path forward, I encourage you to check your CPS. It will help you Make That Change

New Beginnings - Force Field Analysis.pdf

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AfterNotes -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQetemT1sWc - Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrHxhQPOO2c - I Can See Clearly Now - Jimmy Cliff