Recalled to Life

In Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities, a man who has been in prison for a very long time is unexpectedly freed. When the solicitor comes to retrieve the inmate, he says to the newly freed man: 

"I hope you care to be recalled to life."

I have had this line running through my head repeatedly over the last several weeks as the winter chill has thawed out into the first glorious glimpses of Spring. With Daylight Saving Time again, and looking down the road toward the looming summer, it has become my mantra.

My winter hibernation was more literal this year. At least several nights a week for the past five months, I was home alone in a quiet house. I did my best to stave off the seasonal depression--Christmas in Key Largo definitely helped--but I've been praying for an early spring since the first week of January.

And yet, it is taking significant effort to adjust out of my winter mode. Going back to the gym. Saying yes to invitations. Taking frequent walks around my neighborhood. Opening my windows each day and letting the sunlight stream in.

I'm getting there. I can tell it's working. I'm beginning to feel more like myself.

Because I am choosing to care. 

I care to be recalled to life.