When the World Starts to Wake Up Again

Winter always affects me in ways I don’t fully realize until I’m in the middle of it. My routines slow down, my motivation dips, and the shorter days make everything feel a little heavier. I feel a noticeable shift in my energy. I tend to stay inside more, go to bed earlier, and keep to myself. It’s not all negative—sometimes the slower pace feels like a needed break—but it does change how I move through my days.  Winter makes me slow down whether I planned to or not, and as uncomfortable as that can be, it often helps me reset.

Then, as the season begins to shift, I notice small signs that things are changing. Maybe it’s a day when the temperature creeps up just enough that I don’t need gloves. Maybe it’s the sun hanging around a few minutes longer than it did the week before. Whatever it is, it snaps me awake in the best way. I feel myself leaning forward, ready for something new.

There’s a different kind of energy that comes with early spring—the kind that makes me want to grab a jacket, head outside, and breathe deeply. The heaviness starts to lift, not dramatically, but noticeably. I catch myself looking for excuses to be outdoors again: a short walk after work, a morning errand I suddenly don’t mind driving to, even just stepping outside with my coffee. It feels like the world stretches a little, and in that stretch, I feel myself opening back up.

I love the sense of anticipation that comes with this shift. It’s not about reinventing myself or making big promises. It’s simply the feeling of rejoining the world after months of being tucked away. I start to crave movement again. I notice the sky more. I look forward to weekends in a way I don’t during the darker months.

As the weather continues to warm, I find myself feeling lighter and more curious. What trails can I explore this year? What new places can I walk? How soon can I bring back patio mornings or evenings on the porch? Even the ordinary things feel refreshed—running errands, meeting friends, taking a drive with the windows cracked just slightly.

The best part is that it feels natural. I’m not pushing myself or setting goals. I’m just following that pull toward the outdoors, toward light, toward activity. And every time I do, it feels good. It feels like I’ve been waiting for it without realizing it.

Spring makes me excited to be part of things again. It reminds me how energizing it is to feel the sun on my face, to move, to explore, to simply be outside. It’s a season that nudges me forward—not with pressure, but with possibility. And after a long, quiet winter, that feeling is something I welcome with open arms.

By Lori Griffith