For many, me included, the beginning of the year did not promise excitement and joy. Now that the fading snowdrops are being replaced by vibrant yellow daffodils I am looking at life with new vigour and determination to re-discover the pleasure of simply being alive. The buds are plumping out on the hawthorn and the hedges and some of the blackthorn is already alight with delicate white blossom. Blackthorn is unusual as it flowers before the leaves appear, perhaps to remind us that frost can still whiten the landscape as vibrant green is about to overcome the winter shades. Even if I have not yet sloughed off the heavy mantel of winter and the events of the beginning of the year I can allow the flowering of new ideas, meet new people and enjoy the changes which come along as sure as the seasons. Even if my energy levels are not yet robust enough to embrace big projects the fattening buds remind me that the tiny tinge of colour clouding the hedgerow is a sign of unstoppable new growth. It is always good to start each morning consciously aware that this day is a new life. I don't have to start it as I ended yesterday. It is up to me what I decide this new life feels like and make my choices based on the feeling inside rather than the evidence of the events of the past.
