Is it too early to talk about Spring? I feel like March is right on that precipice of the first warm rays of Spring, and the last chilly strains of Winter. It’s a very moody month–I remember years where it was still snowing like crazy at the end of March, and other years where I could go outside with no coat, no shoes–absolute freedom.

I forget how much the weather and temperature really affect my mood, too. As much as I love Autumn, by the time I’ve gone through two or three months of Winter and snow and everything being both cold, wet, and dry but not warm, I don’t want anything but Spring.

Spring is literally the beginning of life in nature. Flowers are bursting from the ground. Trees are rising from their winter-long sleep, fresh leaves springing all over the branches. Birds are emerging from the trees, creating new nests, new families, new life. Spring is a season of blooming, of growth, of freedom and expanding upon new horizons.

I challenge you to embrace this season.

Last week, I flew to spend some quality time with my best friends (part of why my posts have been a bit untimely–the fun of writing a blog post does not compare to the fun of getting into tickle fights with your best friends–sorry readers). We’ve had a lot of fun, doing a lot of fun things, but one big thing I realized was how inspiring new surroundings are.

Spending an hour running and dancing through a pine forest you’ve never seen before.

Sitting in new writing spots, and getting up to dance in between brain blocks.

Reading a book completely out of your lifetime and usual reading comfort zone.

Talking to new people. Doing things out of order. Doing away with old habits and spicing things up.

Spontaneous change can be very good for reviving your creativity. Our brains fall into patterns, and after the same patterns, our brains can get bored. So switching things up, breathing in new life, and stepping out into unknown territory could just be the jumpstart you need.

My challenge to you this month–go somewhere new to switch up your habits. This can be traveling somewhere else entirely. This can be going to a new coffee shop. This can simply be taking a new route to work or school. Go to a new park. Try tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast for dinner. Anything outside of your patterns. Take in the new thing. Be present in the moment. And see where your imagination takes you.

Now, onto our prompts for the month!

Our Short Story prompt:

“Look a little closer. Home is not so far away.”

Our Poetry prompt:

Morning Stars // Impulse Buy // Budding Dreams

And last but not least, our self-care prompt:

Take some time to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment you’re in.

Do with these prompts however you wish–and be on the lookout for some fun book reviews in the upcoming future!

Keep blooming,

~ Z.Rise