March 20, 2021. The first day of spring, the start of the final semester of the school year, and the advent of so many hopes for the new year. 

It’s been a year. While most people celebrated the end of the last one in December, the start of springtime arguably serves as the true start of the new year. Winter has ended, things are starting to happen again, and enthusiasm traditionally starts to shine. 

But if you need some convincing about the joys of spring, consider these simple truths.

1. The Sun Has Returned

Well, to be fair, it never left. It’s just felt that way since November.

Depending on what part of the country you live in, odds will be good you’ve had to endure some intense winter doldrums. As if having to deal with a year of lockdowns and isolation weren’t enough, along comes winter with the gray skies, the bitter cold, and the sun only interested in putting in half a day’s work.

But no more. Spring has returned, and so has the sun. That means lots of early sunrises and late sunsets for the next six months. Not a fan of the cold and the dark? Then springtime means celebration.

And speaking of cold…

2. The Temperature Is Better

If winter is too cold and summer is too hot, then springtime is just right.

Again, depending on where you live, the first day of spring means the start of some truly gorgeous weather. Maybe it’ll still be chilly enough in the mornings and evenings for a light jacket, but the winter wardrobe will be taken out of rotation. And while it will get warmer, most people won’t have to endure those blistering days of tank tops and board shorts just yet.

Unless you enjoy that wardrobe selection. If so, enjoy to your heart’s content. 

3. A Time of Cleansing

There’s a reason people tend to associate spring with cleaning. After spending months hiding inside to escape the cold, the urge to throw open the doors and get some fresh air usually comes with a desire to get rid of all the unnecessary stuff lying around the home.

However, spring cleaning doesn’t just have to mean emptying out the hallway closet. Get a plant and try to keep it alive longer than a few days. Get outside and go for a bike ride. Or maybe just say hi to those neighbors you pass in the street. A little physical and spiritual cleansing can do wonders. 

4. More Life

Want to know for sure that life has started up again? Go outside and look for the new stuff. 

Like, look to see if the trees have a new set of leaves. Look to see if animals suddenly have a train of baby animals following them. Smell the air and see if any of the flowers have started blooming. Maybe the fish have started jumping. Maybe the spring sports season has begun. Whatever the preference, there’s proof that life has returned. 

So, get out there and enjoy it.