Spring Renewal: Embracing A Fresh Start

As winter slowly fades into the past, the promise of spring draws near, bringing with it a sense of renewal. I’m especially grateful for the mild winter we’ve had here in the Pacific Northwest — a stark contrast to the brutal conditions of last year, when I was displaced for two weeks and many in my community faced devastating hardships. Winter in this region can be unpredictable; it’s either a season of rain, darkness, and occasional snow, or it completely shuts down the city with heavy snow and ice. While the quiet of a snow-covered landscape is peaceful, it also comes with its disruptions.

But today, I want to shift focus. I’ve let my mind wander a bit too long down the winter path. Let’s get back to the real reason for this post.

I have a confession to make. I, too, have fallen victim to the "New Year’s Resolution Failed Club." Despite my best intentions, I’ve let unforeseen illnesses, a demanding workload, and a lack of motivation derail my goals for the year. However, as spring approaches, I find myself feeling reinvigorated — something I often experience when nature itself begins to bloom again. It’s like a reset button for the soul.

Spring, as the Bible teaches, is a season of new life, where plants break through the soil and animals emerge from hibernation. It’s a time of renewal that reflects God’s remarkable design for the world. His careful curation of how everything works together to support life constantly amazes me. It reminds me that we, too, need time to recharge — just as animals do in winter. But instead of resting, we often push through with busy workdays, and our vacations become a blur, leaving us no time to truly reset.

Now, back to my confession. Despite my profession as a project manager, I’ve struggled to keep up with my own routines, and I’ve yet to implement my financial and weight loss goals for the year. It feels like the age-old saying: the contractor’s house is the last to be built. But I can’t keep putting myself last. It’s time to overhaul my health and finances, to eliminate the stress and chaos, and bring joy back into my life.

Here are my key goals for the next 12 weeks:

1. Incorporate 10 minutes of Bible time daily, both morning and evening, to nurture my spirit.

2. Curb mindless spending by creating and sticking to a realistic budget.

3. Adhere to a calorie intake plan and track all calories daily to stay accountable.

4. Commit to 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to improve my physical health.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress as the weeks unfold. Let’s make this spring a season of real growth — not just for nature, but for us, too.