My home office overlooks my front yard. Often times, when I am pondering something—or procrastinating, I will simply set my gaze on the beauty of nature, somehow hoping my answers will lie there.

For a while now I have been looking at a number of barren trees, naked from winter’s relentless cold. I’ve watched one particular dogwood and a few maples miraculously endure snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, and whipping winds. And just last week, these very trees were blanketed in a thick ice. But yesterday I was shocked when I looked out my window and I saw pink! Yes, the promise of spring! Buds are beginning to form on these hardy and resilient trees. It made me so happy.

These bold trees remind me of you and me. We have both survived many a winter, right? This isn’t even our first winter. But somehow, without question, buds gradually begin to grow on us, too. New growth. A new season. Winter was no match for these trees. And soon they will be covered in new growth, filling up the once barren landscape. I hope you will see yourself in all the trees coming into bloom this spring. They are a sign of tremendous strength and courage, just like you.

Let’s Go, WE GOT THIS!

Beth Fitzgerald