May Brings Flowers & Much, Much More...

There are many things about the month of May that I love - all full of encouragement and motivation. In Canada, May ‘‘brings flowers’’, the promise of warmer weather, the smell of fresh cut grass, and bright colours, which after several long months of blistering cold winds, snow, and surprise snow storms that linger into March or even April, brings a revival of spirit for many Canadians. The warmer weather brings a renewed sense of encouragement to dream, plan, and create. For my parents, it’s sprucing up their gardens with new flowers and trees that will bring them beauty and joy throughout summer and into autumn; for others it may be getting into physical shape, as they plan their summer holidays. What if we stretched this thought one step further - rather than thinking of May as a season of many changes in nature, what if we saw May as a time to experience and plan for our own revival; progress we are going to make in the second half of the year, starting June 1 (which is exactly half way there). Rather than waiting until January 1st of 2023 for new ‘change’ which often takes significant mental, emotional, and physical motivation (with resolutions or goals often being temporary, and occasionally coming to an abrupt, possibly unexpected halt part way through the year), what if you started… NOW?! These halts in our so-called ‘resolution’ phase leave us feeling depressed and as though we have failed in an area of our life. BUT what if you were to use the remainder of May as a time to re-evaluate old unhelpful habits/patterns that you can’t seem to maintain for longer than a few months, or ideas that have remained in the idea vault of your mind for far too long, that just never eventuated into reality? Then, follow this time of re-evaluating, planning and preparation by kickstarting June as the month that marks you making small, noticeable, and permanent increments of progress in your life.

   My family often humorously throws around the phrase “baby steps”, which has a comical reference to Bill Murray in the film, ‘What About Bob?’. Throughout the film, he regularly repeats the phrase “baby steps” - whether shuffling out of a building, or in another uncomfortable situation and anywhere he travels. Hearing his own words of affirmation to overcome one of his many fears, including social anxiety, the phrase eventually gives him the confidence to change. (*Spoiler alert: at the end of the movie, Bob overcomes his fears through baby steps and writes a book on how he was able to do it.) 

   Again, consider how you can invest in yourself in May. Use this time as preparation for the second great new beginning of your physical, educational/professional, financial, mental, and spiritual health. Whatever area of your life is needing a reboot, invest your time in preparation , so that you can hit the ground running at the start of June. Use these last couple of weeks to sit down and plan how specifically you are going to improve in these areas.

   On a little side-note, an interesting fact about May, and one that some of you may already know, is that its birthstone is the emerald, which represents love and success. (I think emerald may have just become my new favourite colour!) I believe May is readying great things for you and I, in the very near future!

   While I initially wanted to finish this segment on a famous historical figure; a pioneer or game-changer whose strengths we can emulate, and failures we can learn from (little nuggets we can apply to our own lives), I decided to focus today on someone closer to the heart - who I also believe you and I can learn from. The month of May, specifically the 30th, marks the day one of my older sister’s, Katlyn, was brought into this world. I’m dedicating the rest of this post to one of my best friends in this life. Dear Sister, as the 30th marks the end of another year in your life, it also sets ablaze a new year of opportunity and curiosity. Amidst all of the chaos going on in our world, you manage to send me into the deepest fits of laughter, often while separated by distance and time. Whether it be a slight eye-brow raise, or on rare occasion gracing me with your beautiful voice; getting into character of an Irish lad, or making friend’s with the likes of a child - you are one courageous, bold, entertaining human being. But more than your wit and charisma, I am proud to be sisters with someone who constantly serves other human beings, often the individuals no one knows or chooses to acknowledge. You serve with no expectation in return, and do your work with 110(+.5)% intention, even in the simple tasks. I commend you, I love you, and am blessed to be your sister. Happy Birthday, Kate!

   And as you move forward in the month of May, don’t waste time dwelling on failed New Year resolutions, unsuccessful goals or projects, or even failed relationships, use the remainder of this time to prepare for the great PROGRESS you are going to make, starting June! And inevitably, when you look back, your small increments of progress will have accumulated into permanent change.

-Dr. Kristyn Bell