Regardless of what we believe to be at root of this constant wanting, it seems to take conscious and deliberate effort to experience contentment or satisfaction in our lives — to fully appreciate life, people, and activities we engage in. And, this doesn't mean appreciating things that are hurtful, wrong, or violent, because that would reflect not fully appreciating ourselves or other people.

Instead, it means taking a new look at ourselves, life, and world around us and seeing beauty that is there. It doesn't mean ignoring what isn't right, like violence in our and other countries, but it also doesn't mean denying good we do see.

It means getting in touch with awe of a child who see magic in everything, who notices simplest of things and takes great pleasure in them. It means appreciating and valuing yourself, people you know, what you've done, and what you are doing. It means slowing down and savouring every moment, or as many moments as possible rather than hurrying along to next task.

By noticing more, and by appreciating what is good in their lives (like glass full of fresh clean water), many people find that they begin to feel more content — they find what they were searching for all along.

If you let yourself enjoy each new spring day by "being there" rather than just "doing," then you can have joy of not only being in moment but also of rekindling wonderful earlier memories.

In terms of growing optimistically, it is often these earlier memories that can serve as a jumping off point for your own positive growth. You might remember how you felt roller-skating on a spring day. Perhaps this memory was triggered by a walk you had yesterday. How can you recapture exuberance and enthusiasm you felt roller-skating many, many years ago? Perhaps it is time to walk consistently everyday. Perhaps it is time to buy a pair of roller blades and learn to use them. Perhaps it is time to develop another form of exercise, or maybe you would rather have pleasure of helping to teach a child or grandchild how to roller-skate. The ways to reinvent your past into positive states of mind and body again and again are unique to you. Don't give up your opportunities to grow optimistically in these glorious months,

My message to you is to honor yourself, to honor your memories and let them pleasure you as you navigate through spring months. Try not to focus on unpleasant aspects of earlier days. Look for "positive" memory traces associated with a smell, a taste, or an awareness that is rekindled by blossoming of spring.