“The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size.” — Gertrude S. Wister
Have you ever noticed that when you have a significant amount of anything, the value of each piece diminishes in value?
That first Christmas card is opened with excitement. The fifteenth in a week not so much.
A robin in the middle of summer is no big deal. But the first one of the Spring is marveled at and carries the hope of the dawning season.
You probably remember your first crush. Because they were your first. Bet you can’t remember the name of the sixth person you dated. The first ones stick with us forever.
The economists call this “diminishing marginal utility” and the psychologists “hedonic adaption”. We become accustomed to things essentially, and don’t appreciate things that are common now even if they are wonders like a smart phone or a sunset.
As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, take the time to appreciate the warmth of the breeze and the green shoots on the trees, the splashes of color appearing against the drab backdrop of winter.
And remember to stop and appreciate the roses when in full bloom months from now.