Ah, spring. The season so many look forward to because it brings with it so much hope and joy. The transition from brutal snowstorms and gloomy days to sun-filled rain showers, and budding flowers. Spring is an indication that the dark, bone-chilling, winter days are behind us, and the long life-filled summer nights are within reach. But more than just a season of rain and colorful blooms, like all seasons, Spring has so many powerful life lessons to heed, if you’re willing to take the time to observe them.

Lesson #1 – The blooming flowers encourage us to open up

In Spring the flowers appear with such intensity. Like those flowers, show yourself boldly and authentically by believing that who you are, what you think, and what you feel matters—and can be voiced. Be assertive. Practice communicating what you stand for, what you value, and what you want, firmly but with consideration. It’s only when we express ourselves that we come to understand who we are. And only when we understand who we are can we open up and connect with others.

Lesson #2 – The stretching leaves remind us to be productive

After the flowers have opened and released their seeds, leaves start to reach out. They sprout with energy turning to the sun as they prepare to grow. Like these leaves, we must become productive—but a different kind of productive. Productivity is not strictly about more hours, results, and efficiency. If getting a result today will negatively affect our well-being tomorrow, then it is not productive. Often, we mistake productivity with overwork at the expense of our future-self’s health. The leaves enthusiastically reach out because they know their role is to remain all summer long, providing nourishment for the tree, and they are excited to do so. Similarly, we need productivity of well-being to nurture our peace of mind.

Lesson #3 – The daffodils give us a lesson in humility

Daffodils are some of the first flowers we see in springtime. They represent joy, strength, and resilience. They’re a positive, life-affirming symbol as they flutter and dance in the breeze. But beautiful as they are they are never prideful. Their tilted heads remind us not to take a haughty stance. Always be joyful and dynamic and embrace the beauty you have to offer the world. But remain humble while your magic shines bright.

Lesson #4 – New life shows us that we can always start over.

Every year, without fail, nature starts all over again each spring. New leaves, new flowers, new energy – in short, a new life. Let this remind us that we can always start over too, as many times as we need to. Let Spring guide your life and motivate you to let go of the things that no longer serve you. Start doing things you love. Shed any unhealthy relationships. Break those habits that hold you back from growing into your full bloom.

Lesson 5 – The birds inspire us to sing

After winter—and migration—birds return and grace our days with their songs. As they go about their day, birds chirp and sing their songs like the happiest of animals; not yelling, barking, or honking. No matter their circumstance they always sing. We can learn from them. Our circumstances may not always be perfect. Maybe we are frustrated with a job, a relationship, or just life in general. Maybe we feel stuck or unappreciated. Life isn’t going to be perfect – for any one of us. But an imperfect life is easier to approach with a cheerful attitude. So sing the song of your soul, every day, and remember: A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song (Maya Angelou).