During the winter months, I spend my days hiding away from the cold, dark world. I never feel like doing anything other than curling up under a blanket and reading a good book. Then March arrives with it’s bright blue skies and pretty flowers and I start to feel a new burst of energy. The older I have become the more I realise how significantly my mood is affected by the seasons. This can at times be frustrating as I find it hard to keep any kind of momentum going over winter and I have only recently accepted that I just have to lean into and use it as a time to truly unwind. But whereas winter is a time for rest, spring is for rejuvenation and a new sense of purpose. The mornings become light enough to take walks in nature and the mid evening sunsets always seem to be especially lovely at this time of year.
Almost as soon as spring starts to appear my mood lifts and I suddenly get an urge to be creative again. This usually means going out for long walks in nature with my camera, but it takes other forms too such a need to journal more and even to get creative in the kitchen with new recipes, for me creativity takes many forms. Without a doubt my favourite thing to do is take long strolls around the lake near me, it is so calming to be close to nature and an early morning walk always set my day up right (even if it does mean I have to get up early!), my mental health definitely improves the more I can get outdoors. On a side note if you are interested in the benefits of being out in nature, I would definitely recommend reading Grounded by Ruth Allen.
All of these photos were taken during an impromptu Sunday evening walk. I can’t remember the last time I took myself out with my camera during golden hour and I had forgotten how gorgeous everything looks swathed in that golden glow. Now the days are longer I will be making an effect to get out at least once a week to catch a sunset or a sunrise. These walks are always so lovely and help me focus on the little things that are starting to happen this time of year like the Magnolia trees blossoming and birds building their nests. It’s the prefect distraction from everything that is going on in the world right now and offers an escape from the stresses of every day life even if only for a short time.
Until next time.