TAYLOR TALK

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

by Taylor Moxey

To me, spring is a sign of new beginnings, flowers blooming, ice melting (not in Florida), and birds chirping. Right away, we all start feeling a sense of freshness and cleanliness. Most of us see it as a time to refresh everything around us and do away with things we feel we no longer need. But just like we put away the turtlenecks, scarfs, and jackets, there are also other things that we should pack away with them. I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. As teenagers, having a clean room and organized closet can feel good for our psyche, but having a clean and fresh view on how we see ourselves is also super important.

Getting rid of old ideas or habits that don’t fit where you want to go in life can also be an area for freshening up. Try seeing it from a flower’s P.O.V. … I know this year I have some BIG goals I want to accomplish. One of them is getting my driver’s permit. I’ve had the opportunity to practice and now I would like to make it official. This is important for me. So, I came up with a spring list based on the flower. I’ll share it with you and if you think it’s cool, I encourage you to make one of your own.

1. First, remember to blossom (grow) where you are planted.

Stay in a state of gratitude for all that you have. You may not be where you want to be, but you’re not where you used to be. Just like a flower and the time on the clock, you’re going to SPRING FORWARD!

2. Throw out the need to be like others.

The flower doesn’t compare itself to the one next to it, it just blooms. I was always told that “comparison is the thief of all joy.” Just like the seed that was planted last winter, this is your season to blossom! Believe it, and watch your confidence grow.

3. Enjoy your harvest.

Don’t be afraid to change. Just like the season, everything has its pluses and minuses about it. This spring, let’s reap all the benefits and opportunities that came from us planting our seeds of hardwood, passion, dedication, and focus last summer. President Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found in playing small—or settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

4. Refresh your body and soul.

Take some time to take care of your mind, body, and soul. Most teenagers feel we can do everything every time and in any way. But don’t forget to PAUSE. Take a deep breath and live in the sunshine. You can do this maybe even while you are dusting, mopping, and decluttering. Because what better time to refresh your body and soul than during spring cleaning? Let’s invite good energy to show us what we might need to “clean up” to grow deeper in our faith and closer to our goals.

As always, keep living, laughing, loving, and learning.
Life is beautiful. ~ T.M.

16-year-old Taylor Moxey is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, pre-professional dancer, and the founder of the Taylor Moxey Foundation.