What are your “sticky little leaves”?

As I stand on the door step to spring, awaiting the predictions of a groundhog, I’m reminded of a quote by an 1880’s Russian author, whose name I cannot pronounce, “I have a longing for life, and I go on living in spite of logic. Though I may not believe in the order of the universe, yet I love the sticky little leaves as they open in spring.” For this particular character, the sticky little leaves are one of the few things in the world that give him hope even when the world around him seems hopeless because they endure. They’re his reminder to love life in spite of its meaning or purpose and live a life worth living. Now, I’m quite certain that to really drink in life meant something entirely different in Russia during the 1880’s, so I thought I would share with you six of my “sticky little leaves”.

My first “sticky little leaf” is my ability to create. I write, I paint, I play more than one instrument, I crochet, I sew, I dream. I have clones. It’s no happy accident that I’m a crafter or a mother or even that I became a computer programmer. By creating it gives me hope that I can create the life I want to live and I don’t have to settle.

My second “sticky little leaf” is my ability to relate to people. Sometimes I blame it on the fact that I’m an Aquarius, but I’m sure that has nothing at all to do with it. I’m a social creature and I love being around people. I love to hear what they think, how they feel, and what they’re doing. I love to hear what they’re passionate about, even if I don't believe in it. I love the way they inspire me. My relationships give me hope that I’m never really alone unless I choose to be.

My third “sticky little leaf” is my ability to help. I’m not wealthy, nor do I have tons of time, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be helpful. I help my co-workers with projects or solutions, when I can. I help my friends laugh a little, when I can. And every night, though it may seem trivial, I help my children with their homework, when I can. Even by helping with something small it gives me hope that I have something worth passing on.

My forth “sticky little leaf” is my ability to realize goals. This has not always been an easy thing for me to do, since I often get caught up in the details of accomplishing something. However, when I do reach a milestone, something that’s been especially challenging, it gives me hope that future goals are attainable, even if I have to ask for help.

My fifth “sticky little leaf” is my ability to play. At times, I have an imagination that’s as big as the universe. I love to visualize things and imagine what’s possible even if only to see how far I can take it. By playing with a thought or having fun with something mundane, gives me hope that not everything has only one purpose and you can’t see its full potential until you play.

My sixth and last “sticky little leaf” is my ability to grow. In college, one of my professors told us, “The most important thing you’ll ever learn is to learn to love to learn.” The world around us has so many lessons, we just have to be willing to accept what it’s teaching. I’m constantly looking for something to learn, be it something new or an expansion of something I already know. By growing, I remain hopeful that even as the world changes, I’ll be able to stay flexible and adapt.

To create, to relate, to help, to realize, to play, and to grow are what make my life worth living, giving me hope in times of chaos, and the desire to drink in life. Spring, itself, is a renewal of sorts, a chance to brush off the cold of winter, turn your face to the warmth of the sun, and begin again with something hopeful. Even Samuel Coleridge wrote, “Winter slumbering in the open air, wears on his smiling face a dream... of spring.“

So I ask, What are your “sticky little leaves”?