Why does Springtime make me so happy?

This morning I awakened to cows in my back yard. I don’t own cows. I do have a clothesline, a fence, and plants sprouting in a flower bed. This is not how I wanted to start my day. Surprisingly, however, I was able to sneak out without alerting the dogs and herded the cows out of the yard without damaging the clothesline or fence (again), and wonder of wonders, they did not eat the top of my Rose of Sharon again! Maybe this will be a good day afterall…

As the sky began to lighten, the morning chorus began:

(I use the Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to help me identify bird sounds.) Something about the sound of the morning chorus brightens my day… anyone else feel this way?

And then! I noticed my male goose was staying in the barn and I was worried that something had happened to Sassy, my female goose that has been broody for weeks. Indeed, something HAD happened! After trying to hatch a clutch each spring, she was finally successful in year three! Introducing Fred & Sassy and the Sasslings!

Her years of failure were made up for with seven new goslings! I’ve heard that the average hatch for Pilgrim Geese is 3-5 goslings. Aren’t they precious!?!

Joel 2:25 – “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”

Fred is very protective of his brood! This was all so wonderful and exciting and my spirit feels so happy today, even when I started out begrudgingly driving cows from my yard!

Just out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT if there were scientific reasons that springtime makes me feel happy, other than the wonderful things I’ve experienced today. Here’s the answer I got:

Increased sunlight: As spring brings longer days with more sunlight, your body produces more serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Sunlight also helps your body produce vitamin D, which is linked to mood regulation. The increase in sunlight exposure can help reduce feelings of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that can occur during the darker months of winter.
Boosted serotonin levels: Spring’s bright weather and sunshine are also associated with higher serotonin levels in the brain. (Didn’t you just tell me that? lol) Serotonin is often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone because it helps improve mood, regulate emotions, and reduce anxiety.
Warmer weather and outdoor activities: As the temperatures rise, people tend to spend more time outdoors, engaging in physical activity like walking, running, or biking. Exercise increases the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that promote happiness and reduce stress. Being outside in nature can also help reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity.
More social interaction: Spring often encourages socializing and connecting with others, whether through outdoor events, gatherings, or just enjoying the pleasant weather together. Positive social interactions are linked to improved mood and mental health.
Rebirth and renewal: Psychologically, spring symbolizes renewal and growth. Many people associate the season with fresh starts, new beginnings, and the beauty of flowers blooming. This can foster optimism and a sense of hopefulness, lifting your spirits.
Nature’s beauty: Simply being surrounded by the vibrant colors and sounds of nature in spring can stimulate positive emotions. Studies have shown that being in nature or even just looking at natural landscapes can improve mood and decrease stress levels.

Well, I don’t know about all that…. but I do know that spring is when our baby animals arrive, the songbirds become active, the flowers begin to bloom, the sun shines but it’s not blazing hot; and Spring just makes me happy!