It doesn’t feel like it here today, but it’s finally SPRING! Which means the days are getting longer, and eventually, I’m sure, it’ll get warmer. Spring is nature’s hopeful season. Animals come out of hibernation, flowers bloom and trees bud, people seem to come out of virtual hibernation – out from behind heavy jackets and hats and scarves and the warmth of their houses – to enjoy the outdoors and interact with each other once again. So it seems the perfect time to focus on spreading hope – both to others, as well as to ourselves. Not sure how? Here are a few ideas:

• Plant something – a flower, a vegetable plant, a tree (local organizations often hold tree-planting days).

• Purchase something from a local farm/orchard/nursery/etc.Their livelihood often depends on seasonal business, and may be beholden to things outside of their control – like the weather – and each purchase can help offer hope of a season that allows them to support themselves/their families.

• Smile at people you pass when walking outdoors. Not creepily, but a pleasant smile, wave, good morning, etc. Doesn’t have to be everyone, but just do it occasionally. I say outdoors because I notice this seems to feel less weird to people. We have no issue waving at the other lone morning jogger we pass, or the person walking the dog down the street. But most of us are significantly less likely to walk through the mall or grocery store randomly smiling or waving at people, and I get that 100 percent.

• Donate goods or services. Go through your closet. Donate already read books to a local library, mobile library, or used book store. Bake for charity. Whatever it is you can offer.

• Send a card or a note. Not an email or text or tweet. Write a “thinking of you card” to someone going through a tough time. Or a thank you note to someone who’s done something nice. Or a “just because” to a friend. This isn’t spring specific, but let’s face it – most of us are feeling more generous in spirit when it’s not 20 degrees and bomb-cycloning outside.

• Let out your inner 1980s (or earlier) child. Remember when playing outside was the reward you got for a job well done/being well-behaved/etc? Put down the electronics, go outside – on your own, with friends and family, with your dog, whoever! – and do something fun/silly.  How does this offer hope? It takes us away from our daily routine, it takes our mind, even if momentarily, off of whatever it is that we’re struggling with, and it reminds us, and anyone else involved that we can find small moments of joy in life.

What are your favorite ways to spread hope, or stay hopeful, during the spring?