This week’s “Just Checking In” is coming out on March 20th, the first day of Spring! And here in Oregon, springtime is a season like no other. I mean, I guess every season is different from the others, right? But spring weather in Oregon is kind of like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates - you never know what you’re gonna get!
One moment, the sun is shining with a deceptive warmth that has you hunting down your sunglasses and rolling down your windows. The next minute, dark clouds roll in, the temperature drops by 15 degrees and a sudden downpour has you reaching for an umbrella. Today we might have hailstorms and frost, and tomorrow everyone might be wearing shorts and T-shirts under sunny skies!
As we say in Oregon this time of year…
If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.
This seasonal unpredictability is certainly well known to us Oregonians, and probably in many other places in the world. And it teaches us to be prepared for just about anything on any given day.
And that makes it a pretty good metaphor for life in general.
We often crave stability, preferring clear skies and predictable outcomes. And just like our springtime, the weather of life can also shift unpredictably, sending us storms and sunshine at random times.
Consider the way the natural environment responds to erratic weather changes. Here in Oregon, the cherry blossoms are now in bloom despite the risk of sudden damaging hailstorms. The rivers swell to accommodate Cascade water run-off from winter snows. The forests fill in with new foliage even if the winds blow a little harder on occasion.
Nature doesn’t fight these fluctuations; it flows with them.
That’s resilience. And when we model our approach to our own storms and heatwaves with the same kind of adaptability, well, things tend to go a lot smoother!
When life throws the unexpected at us - whether an unforeseen challenge, a sudden change of plans, or a bit of drama - instead of resisting or complaining (and sure, we all do that sometimes), we can peel off a layer, or bundle up. We can grab the sunscreen or the parka. We can turn up the heat or open up the windows. It all depends on the weather!
So the next time life catches you off-guard with a sudden cloudburst or unexpected heatwave, take a cue from Oregon’s wild spring.
Lean into the change, embrace the moment, and adapt.
Remember that every storm passes, every heatwave cools, and if you forget your umbrella, it might just be a good day to dance in the rain.
And before I go, how’s the weather where you are? Have you been through any stormy times in your life lately? How’d it go? Drop me a note and let me know!
And that’s me, just checking in!
Marc Gilson
Director of Client Services & Product Development
