Spring is thought to be the time of new beginnings. For those living in the coldest parts of the world right now, spring can signify a glorious moment of change and of transition. When the air begins getting lighter, the nights longer, the sun brighter, many move forward with the push of spring at our heels. What is the essence of spring really about? Is it about change? With change comes everything new: a break of routine, a change in the patterns around us, and the promise of a different beginning.
For me, it’s daily moments of reflection and gratitude for the people and events that have happened in my life. Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there. They serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be – your roommate, your neighbour, your professor, long-lost friend, lover or even a complete stranger who, at the very moment you lock eyes with them, you know that they will affect your life in some profound way.
Today, in this moment, as I sit here and write, I’m thinking of my very dear friend, Anthony Westlake, who passed away on August 31, 2012. It’s so strange to me how time really does fly by; it’s already been 3 years. I will never forget Tony, he was an inspiration to me in every part of my life and every so often I remember what I asked him, with tears backed up in my eyes, and said: “Why you Tony?” And he answered, “Why not me; better me than someone else”. At that moment in time, for just a second, my heart felt like it stopped, my breath seemed to whisper, “I get it now”, and my mind was at ease.
The people you meet who affect your life and the successes and downfalls you experience … they are the people who create who you are. Even the unfortunate experiences can be learned from. Those lessons are the hardest and probably also the most important ones. I’ve said this before but I do believe everything happens for a reason but I also believe that the harder you work, the luckier you get. It’s our hard work, or lack thereof, that determines whether we are able to make the most of these opportunities. Think of it this way: imagine two soccer players in different games. Both are in front of the opponents’ goal and the ball takes a lucky bounce to them. One has worked hard, honed his or her skills, and scores. The other has not worked hard, lacks skills, and does not score. Both were equally lucky to get a chance to score. One had worked hard and could take advantage. Illness, injury, love, lost moments or true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of ourselves. Without all these small tests – whether they be events, illnesses or relationships – life would be like a smooth, paved straight, flat road to nowhere: safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless. Sometimes things happen to you, and at the time they might seem horrible, painful and unfair, but upon reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never have realized your potential, strength, willpower and heart.
So, with spring in the air find your new beginning, find your moments that you can cherish and reflect or just simply be yourself and enjoy the moment.
