Springtime is a time of re-          Re-birth, Re-flection, Re-dedication and Re-cognizing what is good in our world. 

The opportunity to re-examine our perspective and the way we view our surroundings can bring a sense of serenity if one just takes a moment to explore beyond the surface level.  Living in the Tucson desert, one can see powerful re-minders in every corner.

Follow me for a few moments on a short journey of discovery and enjoyment during the course of a normal business day:

After meeting with another agent to shoot some photos of their listing that a client of mine from out of state is interested in, I hopped in my truck to make my way to the office to catch up on paperwork.  Another day in the life.

Best part of this street in the Sam Hughes neighborhood, close to the University of Arizona,in my mind was the lack of traffic.  All I cared about was not dealing with a busy thoroughfare for a change.
As my mind relaxed a little,
I saw a hint of color ahead (see it in the bottom left, under the trees?).

Drawing near, I had to stop the truck and get out to appreciate what someone
else had taken the time and effort for others to enjoy:

Instantly, my mind cleared of pressure, my soul relaxed and a sense of appreciation filled my heart.

Even the normally spiny and unadorned aloe vera was sending blooms skyward to celebrate spring in Tucson!
Taking a moment to look around and see what else was beautiful along this street was suddenly more important than getting to an internet connection right away.

  
The juxtaposition of a palm seeming to tower from within a Palo Verde Tree, the wondrously bright flower springing from a dusty gray/green hand of a cactus...

...even the tender young seed pods of a mesquite brought a sense of vibrancy and yearning to my heart.
Feeling refreshed and fulfilled, I got back into my truck, glad to have taken a few moments to enjoy what a random block of unknown residents had given me.

Pulling into the parking lot at my office, I noticed things that had eluded my attention before.

 
Just another vacant lot full of weeds?

Or delicate marvels to be found and cherished as an example of what the desert shows when it has the chance?

A soon to be fetid drainage area for the parking lot?

...or an opportune water source when seen from a different perspective?

Having taken a few extra minutes to experience the Joy Of Spring in Tucson, or the Time Of Re- lightened my spirit and lessened my load.  I felt re-freshed, re-charged, re-committed and un-burdened.

The work I had before me was completed as needed.  Perhaps I finished more quickly, perhaps not.  It wasn't really as important as having re-connected with life for a moment.  Did my work suffer for it?  I think not - my clients will have a better agent who can focus on life in Tucson in addition to the nuts & bolts, numbers and comps of the business

I wonder what kind of mindset I'll be in if I take an hour to sit under a tree, reflecting on worthwhile moments?

            Kent Simpson