We’re emerging from a loong cold winter here in Minnesota and a loong cool, rainy spring. During the winter, we’re all a little bit depressed. Low energy. Our primary mode is “Sleepytime Tea Bear.”
But now that it’s May, we’re flourishing. The sun is shining without oppressive humidity, the birds wake us up every morning with their song, we’re reconnecting with our neighbors, and when someone invites us to do something, it’s an easy, joyful Yes!
Just this week I overheard people saying:
In Minnesota, we winter hard but we summer harder.
Everyone comes alive in May.
I feel like a whole new person.
If we were in a musical, we’d be in the part where the whole cast is dancing with wild jubilation before returning back to their ordinary tasks like nothing unusual had just happened.
Apparently, this is how people in L.A. feel year round:
Just yesterday, we went to a family birthday party for brunch and then afterwards decided to stop by another family party we thought we’d have to miss. But we felt so energized we went anyway. While there, we realized we were in the same neighborhood as Art-A-Whirl, the largest open studio tour in the country. So I decided to stay while my husband took the kids home. Cars were parked along every street and people were walking and biking everywhere. Live music played while people enjoyed food truck fare, craft beer, and art of all kinds from over a thousand different artists. The supposed “Ghost Town” of Minneapolis was absolutely popping.
Once home, I discovered my kids biking in the street with a whole gaggle of neighbors, looping back and forth while the parents chatted by the curb. And when we went to the park, we ran into some other neighborhood friends who invited us over for homemade pizza for dinner.
Yes. Yes. Yes! All the things! Yes!
Okay, so we’re a bit tired now. So we’re taking it slow this morning. But I already have plans for taking the kids to another park, working in my garden, and enjoying as much sunshine as possible.
I’m embracing joy and the activities that bring me joy right now, while still paying attention to my and my family’s energy and saying no to things when we need to.
How are you feeling this May? Are you bursting with joy? It’s okay if your feelings don’t match the season too—everything is valid. Listen to your body and your heart. Maybe that means cozy tea and slippers.
Or maybe it means dancing during rush hour.
Thanks for reading,
—NK
P.S. I’m working on a more detailed piece about friendship, loneliness, and making friends in adulthood. It’s taking me awhile, since I’m spending more time outside than on my computer during my free time. But eventually, it will be ready! It’s a topic I think about a lot, and I know a many of you do too. My kids are begging to go to the park, so off I go…
Love this, Naomi! It’s so wonderful to have that feeling of renewed energy. And that scene from La La Land is one of my favorite of all times. If only every day could feel like that! Alas, it doesn’t. But when it does, dance.