Summary

The author, a tropical island native, copes with the harsh seasons in the USA by adopting a perpetual spring mood, finding solace in the beauty and renewal that spring represents.

Abstract

The author describes their struggle with the stark contrast of seasons after moving from a tropical climate to the USA. Initially, the cold and darkness of winter were unbearable, leading to depression and a longing for their warm, evergreen homeland. However, the author discovered an affinity for spring, which brought a sense of life, growth, and happiness reminiscent of their island home. To cope with the challenging seasons, the author decided to mentally embrace spring throughout the year. This choice uplifts their spirits, especially during tougher times, by evoking memories and feelings associated with the vibrant blossoms and new beginnings that spring embodies.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep dislike for cold weather, which they found physically and emotionally challenging after moving to the USA.
The transition from a tropical climate to one with distinct seasons was difficult for the author, affecting their mood and mental health.
Spring is celebrated by the author as a symbol of hope, beauty, and renewal, which helps them overcome the negativity associated with other seasons.
The author believes that carrying the essence of spring internally can positively influence one's mood and outlook on life, regardless of the external season.
There is an appreciation for the natural beauty of spring, with its blooming flowers and longer days, which the author finds comforting and familiar, connecting them to their roots.
The author values the act of planting and growing flowers, as it brings new life and mirrors the rejuvenating spirit of spring.

I Am Always In A Spring Mood

It was when I realized that these seasons were like moods. Each season invokes a different feeling or mood in me.

🐘🐘Dancing Elephants Press Spring Contest 2023

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Spring is here. Image by Annelise Lords on March 20, 2023.

Being born on a tropical island, every day is summer for us. We do have seasons, but it doesn’t stop anything from growing. From November to the middle of March, the weather is cool and bbbeeeaaauuutttiiifffuuulll. From March to September, the heat keeps climbing. From September to November the heat dies down.

All of this depends on your location. If you live near the sea, it’s always cool and beautiful.

Image by Annelise Lords. This is where I got to watch the Sun sets.

If you live near the mountains, it rains almost every day. So, whatever you plant, wherever you plant it, will grow.

A sunrise in Kingston Jamaica. Image by Annelise Lords

In the countryside, it pppeeerrrfffeeecccttt! Every yard has fruit trees. Some have more than one. I have three different fruit trees on my property and I live in the city.

Yes, I live in heaven.

Shock, when I entered the USA and felt the full pain of all seasons.

Winter was painful and made me depressed and sad. I cried the first year because I was so cold. I wanted to go back home. The long hours of darkness were frightening. I was so cold; I think my brain froze. I swear. My body shuts down. I couldn’t function being cold. Who can function in this cold?

I hate the cold. I gave up a lot to come to the US, including a successful business.

My family destroyed my business so I had nothing to go back to.

I couldn’t wait for Spring. It wasn’t much different from Winter to me. Then Summer was hell. Fall, I could manage.

It was when I realized that these seasons were like moods. Each season invokes a different feeling or mood in me.

#Iinted 2survive, so I decided to choose a season and carry it with me all year.

I chose Spring.

Why? Can you look at this beauty and ask? Really. They open the door for spring.

It’s in the middle of the cold and heat. It’s when the earth comes alive and flowers start growing, birds singing, the day is longer, the sun comes out more and life begins. More smiles too. Even the flowers look happy as they burst through the earth greeting the sunlight. Everything comes alive in Spring.

Again.

I am happier in spring than any other season when I am in the US, and I realized why. I love flowers and planting and growing them. Spring brings new life. Seeing the beautiful flowers everywhere takes me back to my island. I feel at home.

I carry that memory, feeling, thought, and mood of spring with me.