April / 2002
Kindred Spirits

Spring fever
by: Teresa Bell Kindred

During the long gray days of winter we yearn for the warmth of spring. Now that it has finally arrived, here are some of my favorite ways to welcome the season of rebirth.
Skip! I'm not talking about missing work or school. I mean skipping like little children do when they are on their way to lunch or recess. If you haven't tried it in awhile and you need a tutor, you can ask our neighbor, Austin, to give you lessons. Austin is a third-grader this year and he's so in love with life that a cloud of happiness hovers over him wherever he goes. Last year was his first year of little league basketball and he never ran down the court, he skipped. It didn't matter to him where the ball was, or even which team had possession of it. All that mattered was the moment and the happiness he felt, a good lesson for us adults whose feet are too often glued to the ground with the responsibilities of life.
Hum or whistle! You don't have to be able to sing like Aretha Franklin or Mariah Carey when you have music in your heart. Whistle or hum a happy tune. Not only will it lift your spirits but it will cheer those around you.
Walk barefoot in the grass! My grandmother would caution you to wait until it's warmer, but I say why wait? Revel in the cool softness of the grass beneath your feet. If you feel really adventurous, find a hill and roll down it. The experience is worth a little itching.
Sit a spell! Find a front porch with a swing on it and sit a spell, preferably with someone you would like to hold hands with. While you are swinging and holding hands, do one more thing…count your blessings.
Celebrate life…celebrate spring. Catch the fever.

Teresa Bell Kindred is a wife, mom, and teacher. Her latest book is Mom:PHD: Leadership Skills for Moms. Visit her online at www.teresakindred.com.