Letter from the Editor: Spring Fever

Dear Readers,

As you might notice whether you’re on the extreme East coast or in the great Midwest, the temperatures are finally rising and spring is at last on the horizon. We are just days away from a new season full of hope, renewal, and color that will bloom well into the next chapter of our lives; and the anticipation is giving many of us a case of “spring fever.” (That was my Elvis Presley plug for the week.)

As the weeks grow milder and longer days arrive, we will start to see the beautiful blossoms of nature and the warmth of summer’s approach. The early days of spring give me such an incredible feeling of merriment and joy, especially on long and welcomed walks in the woods that reveal not just the beautiful signs of the season, but everything that is to follow in the next months. Warmer weather, bright sunshine, and an array of colors to brighten our days. I just know that the first glimpse of residual sunlight as I leave the library and head home from study sessions will not only be fully welcomed, but especially heartwarming to witness. I dream of the cool evenings where I could sit out late, hear the buzzing of nature and simply watch the twinkly stars in the Indiana sky.

While we head into another season full of promise, it’s essential to remember that things in life don’t change as much as we do. This past winter, I learned a lot about myself and realized that I am stronger than I give myself credit for. The struggles I came across during the last half of 2014 were preparing me for the strength I’ll need today, tomorrow and whatever else lies ahead. And with that strength, I have found a great appreciation in the things around me. You see, if we didn’t have winter to withstand, spring wouldn’t be so pleasurable. Just like if we didn’t have a taste of tribulation, such prosperity would not be fully embraced. Winter has been hard for so many of us in a variety of ways but if it isn’t challenging, it won’t change you. And if it won’t change you, you’re not learning.

With spring comes renewal, and with renewal comes the idea of opening yourself up to new ways of thinking and feeling. Being stuck indoors all winter (along with studying and tending to my day job) has given me great perspective not just about myself, but the world around me and the relationships I’ve created. I have been very fortunate and blessed with the people who are a part of my life. I have made new friends and re-connected with old, and am optimistic of what more the year will bring us all.

{Image Credit: BlackCatPhotos/Getty Images}

Though the first official day of Spring is March 20, with the weatherman’s luck, there might be more snow days ahead with chilly temperatures, but hold on tight! Our team has writers have written an array of articles to help you make the most of the remainder of winter. Something that a lot of us suffer in these cold, white, snowy months is “seasonal affect disorder,” but there are ways to get out of those winter blues in order to make this year your healthiest. Cold weather and continuous snowfall with no sunshine can be an incredible damper on not just our moods and psyche, but our work ethic too. So while there are definite ways to stay motivated at work this season, keep in mind that at the end of the day it comes down to you and how much you can put in to make your days better.

To spring forth into the new season, many will pass the time trying something like yoga or picking up a new book they never imagined reading; adding a warm shade to their wardrobe in hopes to liven up their moods (Marsala is hot this year!); or, starting a social media cleanse well before the warmer temperatures officially kick-in. There is a lot to do, but only you can do it for yourself if you truly want to see a difference in your life.

While summer is the highest time of year individuals choose to volunteer, seize the day and make the most out of your relationships now by giving your time to a cause or organization you’re passionate about. Researchers have discovered that volunteering can boost your happiness levels, and what better time to involve yourself than during these dark winter months?

With just 17 days left until Spring officially arrives, there is a lot coming soon from The Hudsucker and we promise to make this year our greatest. From more contests, to interviews with artists of all kinds; to in-depth and thoughtful pieces we know you love to read, our team will continue to deliver the goods in the best way we know how.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for awesome articles and interviews by our team of writers, our continuing coverage of this season’s American Idol by our Idol expert Andrew Rogers, and a very interesting “Pretty Files” experiment by our resident beauty specialist Nicole Drum. You won’t want to miss it!

Sincerely,

Tania Hussain
Editor-in-Chief, The Hudsucker