April has been an interesting month. Many of us are familiar with the expression that is the title of this article. This year, spring seemed to start late, and we have experienced interesting weather throughout the month. The ice storm led to a new version of the expression that I had not heard before…
Now I am not a big fan of rain, but it doesn’t really slow me down. Jane, my wife, is from Vancouver where they see “liquid sunshine” a lot more than we do, so she is quite prepared to venture out in the rain. Our dog, Becca, is the family member who does NOT approve of the rain. She will stay on the covered deck and not go into the back yard if the rain is coming down in any great amount. April showers, for her, have robbed her of much enjoyment. I don’t think she will even notice or appreciate that the lawn is greener and the flowers are coming up as a result of these showers.
But here we are in May. A time of new growth and new beginnings. We have a slogan posted on the white board outside our studio: “Life is a garden that grows the seeds you plant today”. That saying has been displayed there for a number of years because I am terrible at changing white board slogans and because I think it is a good one! The health you experience in the future will be directly related to choices you make in your life today. Yes, a rare disease may catch us by surprise out of the blue, but many (if not most) of the health challenges in our future will relate to what we have done, or not done, in our present. This refers to our exercise, or lack thereof; our diet, or lack thereof; our ability to take time to re-charge our batteries.
Spring is a good time to re-evaluate and start new programs. Maybe it is just because the thick outer layers of clothing are finally coming off and we can see our bodies better, or maybe we see that bathing suit season is just around the corner(!), but it is a time that many make plans to get fit. It is important to do it the right way. I see patients in my office that overdo it when starting a new program and injure themselves. Many of us are not 19 any more! If it has been a while since you have had a full check-up, make sure you have your spine and nervous system evaluated so that your body will work at its optimal capacity, much like I really should get my lawn mower tuned up before using it after the winter. Also, consider the fuel you are putting in the engine that is your body!
We have endured the rains of April, let us enjoy the flowers of May. Let’s also plant seeds in our life that will lead to increased growth in wellness and health. Not sure what seeds you need to plant? Set up an appointment for an assessment- do something your future self will thank you for!