Now, More Than Ever

By Steve Gwisdalla

Hello Tribe of Up! Welcome to our little corner of the world where we advocate for more joy, help each other spread kindness and leave the divisive and polarization ‘at the door’ for a few moments.

I love spring. Spring brings life back to things that have been dormant for months. Flowers, animals, and yes even <grrrr> bugs. Vibrant colors return to nature’s pallet. Dull grays and browns give way to lush greens. It is true what they say that ‘hope springs eternal.’ As I witness this metamorphosis each year, I force myself to pause whenever I can and say thank you for the beauty returning all around us.

Thank you to God for all His wonder.

Thank you for friends, true friends and for family.

Thank you for health and life.

Thank you for kindness and for what is right in humanity.

Recently, I got into a little debate with a friend over something quasi political. No arguments, no judging. Just a debate. Back and forth. I am so grateful for friends like this. If we bump into each other in town, we will never start hooking and jabbing over differences of political opinions. We would bro hug, ask about each other’s kids and spouses, laugh and appreciate each other’s company. We need more friends like that. Thank you Andy.

Thank you for baseball. It is finally back and we cannot wait to watch our son, our local communities and our beloved Detroit Tigers in action again (if we can ever find out which darn cable channel, they are playing on).

Thank you for teachers. Hang in there. Another school year is almost over!

With wars raging, political division more extreme than ever, inflation, gas prices, grocery prices, news talking heads sowing division among this group and that, please my friends, take time out of your busy days and look around. Spring equals’ rebirth. It is another opportunity to start over. New habits, new gardens, new flower plantings, new or renewed connections with friends and family. Take those moments that are so very precious. Take them for yourself. Recharge your batteries a little so you can then help others recharge theirs.

Thank you Spring!

Steve is a Dexter resident and the Owner of Better Place Consulting a success, career, and life coaching organization. Reach out to me at [email protected].