Happy Spring! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Happy Norooz!
Yes, Happy Norooz! Whether it's spelled Nowruz or Norouz, it's the Persian holiday that celebrates the start of Spring. The date usually falls on the vernal equinox, which is around March 20th this year here in the US), and it has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
The word Norooz means New Day!
As we get ready to celebrate Norooz and the start of Spring, Jim and I want to share our own practices for this special occasion. And we DO celebrate. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to embrace this season of renewal and rebirth.
As you know, last year was challenging for us. We faced health struggles and the associated rollercoaster of emotions. But in the spirit of Norooz, we’re choosing to let go of the past and look forward to new beginnings and opportunities. We’ll hold onto all we’ve learned but allow ourselves to live each day as the gift that it is. That includes this coming Friday’s scan. A CT scan on St. Patrick’s Day requires the wearing of GREEN...and I’m wearing it.
We’re also practicing gratitude, taking time each day to reflect on the many things we’re thankful for. Whether it's the beauty of spring, the support of loved ones, or the resilience of our own bodies, we’re grateful for all the blessings in our lives.
Also, since nature walks have always been a source of joy and connection for us, we plan to take more walks, even if it's just in our own backyard or on a nearby trail. We'll take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Spring, and feel the rejuvenating power of the natural world.
Spring cleaning is another practice that we embrace ... clearing out clutter from our home. It's a metaphor for releasing old habits or thought patterns that no longer serve us and for making room for new growth.
Meditation and prayer help us connect with our inner selves, and we plan to spend more time in quiet contemplation. We think it's beneficial to reflect on our lives, our goals, and our intentions, and to stay connected with our spiritual beliefs.
Creative expression is (of course) also a key part of our Norooz celebration. We're continuing to write, write, write, working on the sequel to “Jane Austen Cannot Marry.” And you’re going to need to hold onto your hats because “Kooks and Bad Karma” will be taking you on a wild ride! This romantic suspense novel is set in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, but that's not all...we've got an assassin coming from the future to correct history! But wait! This person is having way too much fun and refuses to follow orders. Chaos ensues as she tries to make sense of it all and navigate this crazy, kooky world the rest of us live in. So get ready for a fun adventure tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and chuckling out loud! More on that later…
We wish you all a happy and healthy Norooz and hope that this season brings you renewed hope, joy, and love.
Writing this with love and gratitude…