The First Robin of Spring
Last week I came home to find my yard full of red robins. About 50 of them at least. And the fact that it was about 30 degrees outside didn’t seem to bother them.
Every year for at least the past 7 years or so, my son and I have always sent each other a text message whenever one of us sees the “first robin of Spring”. It has become a little ritual of sorts for us, and it always brings a smile to my face.
Generally it has been a warmish, sunny day, on or around the first day of Spring. But this year the robins made an early appearance, which really delighted me because I am seriously averse to cold weather and am SO ready for Spring.
This year, my text message to my son said, “FIFTY robins in the yard!”
And I’ve been pondering the robins, the Winter, the coming of Spring and everything that metaphor might hold ever since.
Robins are the heralds of Spring, and a symbol of new beginnings.
In times past Spring marked the beginning of the year. The Roman calendar began with the Ides of March (March 15th), between the 12th century and 1752 March 25th was the day the year changed in England and Ireland, the Persian New Year begins at the Spring Equinox, just to name a few examples. And of course we have many religious and traditional ritual celebrations connected with Spring, and the concept of rebirth, and new beginnings – along with all of the attendant symbols that represent new life and change (eggs, flowers, bees, butterflies, etc.)
So the thing that keeps coming up for me right now is the whole concept of “newness” that Spring brings. To me, Spring, just intuitively feels like the perfect place to have a “new beginning”.
Of course, Spring arrives after the cold, dark Winter. Those beautiful sprouts that finally push their way up through the hard soil have been down there in the cold, damp, dirt…strugging to fight their way up to the light of day, and having to deal with nasty bugs and worms.
That’s like life sometimes, yes? Our growth often happens in the cold, dark, lonely places. Places full of struggle and very little light. And then…suddenly Spring arrives. We see a bit of “light” – we get really clear about something we want (or something we no longer want to tolerate), our hope returns, and we feel new somehow.
What part of your life would you like to create anew? Health, Love, Money, Relationships, Career…or maybe just a new attitude, a new perspective, a new “you”, or a clean closet.
Something small, like a new habit or hobby? Or something big, like a new home or job or relationship? Or something in between?
I’d love to hear what you’d like to create anew this Spring, leave me a comment below and let’s talk about it!
Love & Magic (and red robins!),
P.S. Whatever you’d like to create anew, I’m throwing a virtual party so we can create it together…
It’s a FREE 3-day Virtual garden party, and you are invited!
(Fancy hats and Faerie crowns are optional but highly recommended!)
Click here to RSVP! 2014 Love & Magic Spring Invitational
“Robin on Ice” photo credit: Tina Phillips
I’ve been seeing robins for weeks, and it makes me feel so light! I hate hate hate winter and spring always feels like being reborn. I’m glad it seems to be happening early this year!
Hi McKella, it seems that many of us are feeling the same readiness!! 🙂 Glad you are feeling light! xo
I so LOVE the spring- it is full of new life, new possibilities….new beginnings, as you say. We had a couple warm days here and I felt myself coming alive. It is cold again, but something is shifting- I can feel it! It’s exciting!! I can’t wait until I see my first robin!
Hi Nano! I know what you mean about feeling that “shift” that happens when Spring begins drawing near! It is indeed exciting! I am looking out my office window as I type this and there are four or five robins hopping around. You’ll see them soon! xo 🙂
Cindie, I love — live for, even now that I live in a warmer climate and winters aren’t so harsh — those first signs of spring. Here in the Bay Area, the magnolias come first, in January! Then the daffodils, and irises, and fruit tree blossoms.
My own heart, and spirit, expand with every flower, just as they do with the increased light.
May this Spring be a big blossoming for you, for all of us.
Blessings and love,
Sue
Hi Sue, I was born and raised and lived half my life there in the S.F.Bay Area and loved reading your words about the magnolias and daffodils coming in early Spring…I remember that! Right now in Louisiana we have the most beautiful Japanese magnolias – nothing green on them, just large pink blooms – spectacular! “My own heart, and spirit, expand with every flower…” such a gorgeous thought! Thank you for sharing! xo 🙂
Hi Cindie! I love this post! It is so true that new beginnings are upon us! One of my favorite things to do in the spring is begin to clear away some of the old dead leaves that fell after my last raking of the fall and allow the poppings of new life to come out into the light! I like to say positive affirmations that reflect what I am doing, such as, “I am clearing out the old deadness in my life and making room for what is new.” I am so ready for the new beginnings that are in store and can’t wait to see what surprises spring holds for us!
Hi Joy, I’ve got some leaves to clear out as well! I like your idea of using affirmations to make a connection between what you are doing in the physical and what is ready to happen in the rest of your life. That is a beautiful idea (and might make raking leaves a little less of a chore lol). So glad you enjoyed the post. I appreciate your thoughts. 🙂 xo
I can’t wait to get warmer, so I can start my garden. And go out more. Maybe start jogging again 🙂 I really miss the sun, and when little signs of spring start appearing, I am always so grateful and appreciative of new beginnings.
Hi Alenka, I know what you mean about missing the sun! Best wishes on your garden! xo 🙂