Spring's Uncertainty

Well folks, spring has certainly arrived in South Florida. The temperatures are creeping back in to the 80s and that ubiquitous seasonal smell is in the air throughout the early mornings and evenings. It is enough to remind me of last spring (albeit more late April and May) when I was waiting hear back from Ellen regarding my HM Volunteer application. Actually, I believe I turned in my application in March, but regardless, the year and process is starting to come full circle. I remember that the unrelenting emotions of not knowing what the future had in store accompanied every breath of fresh spring air, trying mightily to put a damper on the last bit of fun to be had with my friends. I have recently given a lot of thought as to how fast this last year has passed (more so in time of turning in our IS at Wooster and college graduation than anything else). I still remember the nervousness of waiting for my interview with my site supervisor, Michelle, here at AI Justice. Perhaps spring time in general has been the cue for anxiety as to summer plans and “the next step” every since we entered in the yearly school cycle. Or maybe it was knowing that with every passing spring I was one year closer to entering the ‘real world’. Even though I have since exited this cycle, the feeling of spring in South Florida has triggered the all too familiar feelings of uncertainty once again.

I am not sure whether to attribute this to simply the weather, or the fact that the end of my volunteer year and transition to a real employee at AI Justice is quickly approaching. It is crazy to think that another season of nervousness and uncertainty is already upon me all while the previous season is still fresh in my memory. However, even with all this said, I am more confident and prepared this time around than any other. A deep breath in combination with a moment of thought as to what I have learned being part of the HM community helps to settle my mind in spirit. Perhaps the most important thing to remember when encountering these emotions of uncertainty is not to think about the time that has passed, but instead think about what I have accomplished, the relationships I have made, and my personal and spiritual growth since last spring.

Cheers,

Anthony