A Spring in Your Step

Stephen McHugh
This post was last updated on
March 19, 2025

In my last idiom story, I promised I'd create a newsletter to share more stories and creative insights. But I never quite got around to it. And honestly, I've been feeling like I might have let some of you down. In addition, I'd hoped to get the story out on Thursday 13th March.

The truth is, life has been a little hectic in other areas these past few weeks. But the more I've been thinking about this, what I've come to realise is, this experience perfectly reflects the theme of this phrase 'A Spring in One's Step'.

As an autistic creator, my ideas can take time to grow. But when they do, they can bloom in ways I may never have expected.  What I'm learning to do is, embrace that process, and, at the same time, I hope you can join me for the journey.

I had the idea for my latest idiom story – 'A Spring in One's Step'.   I got inspiration from the changing seasons and my interest in nature.

Just as spring doesn’t arrive all at once, creative inspiration doesn't either. It comes in its own time, when we're ready for it. And sometimes, that can mean taking a step back and letting things grow.

Anyway, now to the story.

A Spring in your Step Pin - The idiom brought to life through storytellingPin

A Spring in One's Step

It had been a long, cold winter, with short days and mainly overcast skies. At times the ground was covered in frost, and sometimes snow and ice.

But now it’s March. On one day the weather was sunny and noticeably warmer than only a week ago. The days were getting noticeably longer too. Something else was also happening. Flowers were beginning to bloom.

On that day two friends Ben and Sophie decide to go for a walk through a local park.

Ben: You seem in a good mood today. What’s changed?

Sophie (smiling): Can’t you feel it? The air’s warmer, the birds are singing. It feels like spring has finally arrived.

Ben: Hmm... I suppose. But how does that explain why you're walking with such energy?

Sophie: Well, after months of feeling stuck indoors, I finally feel lighter and free . I feel like I’ve got a bit of a spring in my step.

Ben (looking confused): A spring in your step? What do you mean?

Sophie (points to the ground): Imagine you’re jumping on a trampoline. When you land on it after jumping, the springs help you bounce higher, right?

Ben (nodding): Yeah, I remember now from PE lessons from school.

Sophie: Well, that’s how I feel today. It’s like the change from winter to spring has lifted my mood and filled me with energy. It's as if I’m bouncing through the day with a spring in my step.

Ben (pausing to look around): You know what? I think I feel it too. The colours, the sunlight, the fresh air... It’s like nature is waking up.

Ben starts walking with a bit more energy, matching Sophie’s pace.


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