“In the heart of winter’s touch, a promise of spring whispers softly, inviting change.”

I had never been one to yearn for the vibrant hues of spring back in India, where the seasons blended like a charm, magical in their glory.  It was my relocation to the UK that painted my perspective with a different palette.  Here, spring isn’t just a transition; it’s a revival, a breath of fresh life after the dark embrace of winter.

The cold nights here are far from a sweet lullaby; they are a stark reminder of the distance from home, from warmth.  Winter’s chill doesn’t just bite at my skin, it seeps into my bones, bringing with it an unwelcome guest – anxiety.  The short days and the long nights are a test of endurance, a season that seems to stretch its icy fingers, refusing to let go.

But as the harshness of winter begins to wane, so does the weight on my shoulders.  The first signs of spring bring with them a subtle shift.  It is in the way the morning air feels a tad less biting, in the hesitant yet hopeful chirping of birds, and in the gradual lengthening of days, promising more than just a few fleeting moments of sunlight.  The rustle of the awakening earth and the soft whisper of the breeze through budding trees, add a melody to the air that calms me like nothing I have ever witnessed.

I find myself eagerly awaiting the blooms that will soon carpet the parks and university with a riot of colours, the soft pinks and whites of cherry blossoms that seem to celebrate life itself.  The transformation is not just in the landscape but in me.  Spring in the UK feels like a gentle nudge, a reminder that the gloom of winter is not eternal and that the warmth of the sun will once again lift spirits.

The arrival of spring has become a metaphor for my journey away from home.  Just as the earth awakens from its winter slumber, I feel more alive, more in tune with the beauty that each new day brings.  The fear and anxiety that had once clouded my thoughts have started to dissipate, making way for hope and a newfound appreciation for the simple joys.

As the landscape transforms with the arrival of spring, so does my inner world.  Each budding flower and lengthening day seems to mirror the unfolding changes within me.  This personal awakening prompts me to reflect on the broader theme of renewal that spring embodies.  It’s a time when nature’s rebirth makes me ponder the cycles of growth and rejuvenation in our lives, encouraging us to embrace the opportunities for new beginnings that lie ahead.

As I walk through campus, I realise that bidding farewell to winter is more than just a change in the weather.  It is about embracing the essence of spring, finding beauty in new beginnings, and the resilience that lies in the heart of every transition.

I whisper to myself and let out a sigh of relief… I feel warm. I feel happy.

By Ankita Dash