Parish Nurse Notes    Parish Nurse Note March 2010 What a winter we’ve had! As the dead of winter gives way to the renewed life of spring, nature brings a new season of growth and prosperity. Tiny bulbs, long dormant through the cold dreary months, burst with life and send green shoots that will become the glorious colors of spring flowers. Webster’s dictionary defines spring as “any period of new beginnings”. Why not follow nature’s example and make March a new beginning for you! The great American philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Let enthusiasm radiate in your voice, in your actions, your facial expressions, your personality, the words you use, and the thoughts you think!” This means that each of us have a choice to make the changes that would be beneficial for our own life. I’ve always thought of March as the symbol of the Lion and the Lamb, one of my favorite symbols of peace. We see the strength of the lion in the mighty winds and the gentleness of the lamb in the warm sunshine and the new baby plants. Strength and gentleness are inside us as well. Relax, Refresh, Recharge! We all could use a change! Each of us has the power to improve not only our physical well-being but also our mental health. Your self-improvement is in your own hands. You can pamper yourself, rest, indulge in comfort, reduce stress, organize your life, achieve your goals, build self-esteem, develop a positive lifestyle, find internal peace and contentment as you love yourself, OR just help yourself to a happy, healthy, relaxed but energetic peacefulness in body, mind, and spirit. A positive attitude takes positive actions and as with most things in life, the best course is balance and moderation. Your safest and healthiest approach is to use common sense and wholesome nature to support and sustain. God has provided us with the resources we need to live a healthy, productive life and as we “spring forward” on March 14th, let’s consider turning over a new leaf to life. Eph. 4: 23-24 “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness”. Peace & Love, Phyllis