As I sit down for this week’s column, I cannot get out of my head the well-known line from T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Waste Land.” He penned, “April is the cruelest month.”
In the Midwest where Eliot was raised, April was a muddy month. As Earth thawed and spring rain fell, unpaved streets spawned sayings such as “stuck in the mud.” Flooding left a mucky residue. April was messy indeed but calling it “cruel” seems extreme.
Eliot’s negativity about spring was intense. He wrote the famous line during a tremendously heartbreaking time of his life. His marriage was falling apart. In his sadness, he viewed the hope of spring as an illusion.
After his spiritual conversion, his poetry assumed a new direction. Eliot explained that the poem belonged to the past.
When we look to the past, April 2020 was indeed the cruelest month. COVID-19 and the lockdown were causing great distress and spring rains were torrential and gloomy. We craved sunshine, good health, outdoor recreation and community. Thankfully for Eliot, that downhearted April is in the past.
April, astronomically, is the first full month of spring. During this time, signs of new life abound; trees bud and plants sprout. Greenery around us signifies happiness. Many spring activities inspire good feelings.
Some suggestions for April newness are obvious. It would be good to add an additional fruit or vegetable to a regular diet.
Last winter’s orange crop was ripe and sweet. Local strawberries are showing up in local markets.
Another suggestion is to try a new food. You can choose a local eatery and order a menu item you have never tried before. You may discover a new favorite item.
Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. You can try going to bed an hour earlier if you have not yet adjusted to daylight savings. If necessary, put up blackout curtains.
Get in a brief daily walk. Stroll around town and greet people who are out and about. Take a walk in the country to notice new life.
As I write, I hear a newscaster announcing about health studies. The findings are that exercise gives better results than medication for depression.
I am not sure who conducted a different study that claims cleaning out a drawer, particularly a junk drawer, makes us feel better. From my experience, make sure it is not your spouse’s “junk” drawer. Add a fresh drawer liner or an organizer. Replace occasionally used items, such as tape or batteries, with fresh supplies.
Read a feel-good book. Better yet, read a fun book to a child.
Send a surprise card, flowers or give someone something for no special reason. Find flowers and gifts locally to please everyone.
Become more involved in the community. In Dos Palos, the City Council meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at 1554 Golden Gate Ave. Wherever you live, attend a meeting.
Find out about service clubs, such as a Women’s Improvement Club. Learn more about Eagle Field Races which have moved to Mendota. The first race gathering since the change is May 17-18. Keep up to date on Facebook.
Remove clutter from your life. Take a load to a Community Clean-Up Day. Find locations and dates by searching Merced County Clean Up online. You are bound to feel more light-hearted.
Instead of hauling away unwanted things, some folks make cast-offs available to those in need by having a yard sale. Optionally, give unwanted items to a church or service group.
Try some of these suggestions for April renewal or come up with other ideas for feeling good. Seek ways to lift someone else’s spirits too. Find happiness and fulfillment locally.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible. Contact jmiller@dospalos.org.)
