05/16/2020
This weekend, after many of the months of outdoor pandemic restrictions, our Southern California beach community is finally able to get back on the hiking trails and beaches. While we still have some safety restrictions, most of us are happy to oblige as we have learned a lot during the pandemic and do not take these precious resources for granted.
People from around the world flock to Santa Monica to enjoy the wonders of the outdoors, as do the many residents who call this 8 square mile city, home. As a resident here for 17 years, it should come as no surprise I too wanted to spend the weekend basking in the sunshine and soaking up the fresh, salty ocean air.
As I ventured out on my morning walk, I couldn't help but smell the aroma of the may blooming flowers and see the vibrant beauty all around me. I thought about how nature likes to remind us that with every changing season, there are lessons to glean.
While every changing season evokes emotions, spring has always been a most beloved season of hope. Hope is a treasured gift for many of us who are still fighting through the emotional effects of infertility and on the ever-winding journey to parenthood. Add a pandemic on top of the already challenging emotions can be difficult to see hope is alive, so now, more than ever, we must embrace these gentle reminders that come to us from nature.
Just as the flowers bloom in spring, they too have endured a long winter, yet they remind us new life is possible. No matter how harsh the winter, the dawn of a new season always awaits us. We have all endured some darkness in these unprecedented times, especially those who have lost loved ones, been ill ourselves, are experiencing economic hardship, or still suffering the emotional effects of infertility. For some, it has brought the emotions from the drought of winter, including fear and anxiety. With the pandemic, there have been so many uncertainties, and many fear they will never realize the dream of parenthood.
It can be easy to let fear and anxiety overcome the senses, but as we begin to see the restrictions lifted and we venture out in nature, we can nourish the seeds within us to grow and bloom in hope. There are messages along nature's path encouraging us to take that leap of faith that this season too will have an end. After this season of darkness and uncertainty comes the season of hope and light, and after the storm, the clouds will part, the sun will shine. Take the time to nurture yourselves and be gentle as you move between the seasons. You are not alone, and there is a community of support ready to guide you on your journey.
