So here we are — mid-March, just a day past the astronomical first day of spring, the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

Whether our weather decides to cooperate with what we call spring is another story entirely. Around here, spring tends to flirt more than it commits. One day it’s sunshine and open windows, the next it’s back to gloves, layers and questioning whether winter actually ever ends.

We like to define spring as that perfect intersection — not too cold, not too hot. The Goldilocks version of weather. And honestly, this time of year, we all become a little Goldilocks, searching for that “just right” day. Let’s face it, our springs don’t always deliver those consistently. But when they do? We show up. We notice. We savor it. We remember what it feels like to exhale again.

Regardless of what the forecast says, though, we’ve arrived. And I want you to stay with me here for a minute.

I recently aired a podcast on this very topic after a conversation with one of the incredible members of my community. It really stuck with me because spring is universally framed as a season of rebirth — everything turning green again, color returning, flowers pushing through, windows opening, fresh air circulating, all the things. Nature doesn’t overthink it. It simply begins again.

So why don’t we give ourselves permission to do the same?

We put so much pressure on January to declare resolutions, set goals, overhaul habits. And if we’re honest, many of those intentions taper off as the days go by — especially when it’s still dark early, bitterly cold and motivation feels frozen solid. Spring, to me, actually makes more sense as a starting point. Energy naturally returns. Curiosity wakes up. Possibility feels less forced and more organic.

I’ve taken that conversation to heart. And here’s the truth: I don’t necessarily know exactly what I want to learn next. But I do feel the desire to begin something. And sometimes that desire alone is enough, which can lead you to a plethora of opportunities.

Want to learn how to dance? You absolutely can — and you don’t need a partner. Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer classes designed exactly for that, where you can show up solo, learn something new, move your body, and maybe even surprise yourself a little. There’s something powerful about stepping into a room just for the experience of trying.

Interested in writing? Lit Youngstown and the Canfield Library both offer ways to explore that creative side. Curious about culinary skills? The Culinary Literacy Center at the Main Library in downtown Youngstown has some really interesting programming. MCCTC is even teaching beekeeping, which I love because it reminds us that learning doesn’t always have to follow predictable paths. (Although I’ll admit, I’m still quietly hoping they bring back that watercolor class.)

And if you’re over 60, you can audit courses at Youngstown State University. I’ve already told myself that in about 11 years, I fully plan to take advantage of that. Lifelong learning without pressure — just curiosity leading the way? Sign me up.

And while I’m tossing out ideas — and maybe planting a seed — I’ve even wondered how fun it would be if OH WOW! offered adult enrichment classes. A little wonder, creativity and play shouldn’t stop at childhood, right? I think grownups need those spaces just as much.

Interestingly, all these ideas started with about a 10-minute Google search I did back in February when I was looking for something, anything, that might help recharge me heading into spring. Just 10 minutes. Which tells me there are probably dozens — honestly hundreds — more opportunities throughout our entire Valley that many of us don’t even realize are right in front of us.

My point is simple. After what often feels like a frigid, endless winter — whether literal, emotional, professional, or personal — spring can be more than a weather shift. It can be a reset button. A gentle nudge. A reminder that starting something new doesn’t require perfection or a grand plan.

Be a little Goldilocks with it. Try things until something feels “just right.” Take a class. Revisit an old interest. Deepen something you already love. Exploration counts. Showing up counts. Curiosity absolutely counts.

So after the icebox season we just crawled out of, let this be your time. Challenge yourself. Follow a spark. Stay open.

From me to you — you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to begin.

Mother, author, entrepreneur and founder of Dandelion-Inc, Lisa Resnick wants to hear your story. Share memories with her by emailing lisa@dandelion-inc.com.