The walls of snow here in New England have grown higher than ever. We're all tired of shoveling and delays and supposedly, spring is here. I am just not convinced.

What will it take for all of us to settle down and just believe it's true - that warmer air is coming, longer days and eventually summer, which feels like a distant dream. The need to stay in and hibernate is still strong, and all the while, my Australian friends are enjoying their hottest time of year.

It's just like hard times, I suppose. Never believing that things will eventually transform, not convinced that situations could resolve or change for the better. But they can and they do. Suffering is rarely permanent, even when it feels that way. If we cannot change the circumstance we can shift our view.

So as we bundle up in our many layers of sweaters, coats, hats, scarves and gloves, we can imagine a time that will come when the beach will call us, when barbecues and picnics will reign. And just like that, have hope that circumstances and conditions in our lives will improve because of time or our intent, and focus to turn the course of our own destinies.

Empowerment, personal strength and resolve is enough to shift events and attitudes so that possibilities that present themselves will shine into our eyes and grab our attention. If you don't expect possibilities to show themselves, you may not be open to them. Ever completely miss something because you didn't conceive it was possible?

Imagine being completely overwhelmed in every aspect of your life. Everything seeming out of control, from difficult family dysfunction to problems at work, and on top of that, dealing with health issues, depression and anxiety. It sounds like these external conditions would be a challenge for anyone, and they usually are, until you decide to take back the control over your own life. You are not your circumstances. You are not your challenges. There is a way out from under the shadow of your trials.

Here are five qualities to nurture that will help you take back the power in your life:

1. Self-care (taking time for yourself every day)

2. Determination, desire and drive (find that good energy within you)

3. Good humor (always helps to laugh and lighten things up)

4. Acknowledging the emotional impact (can't deny that it's difficult)

5. Strength and confidence to move forward (moving is your only option)

As you take even small steps, making millimeters of headway in your attempt to change things, it's still progress. Moving out of the victim mentality will help you find your power and reclaim the driver's seat in your life.

Spring is coming, it's true, and so is transformation for those who maintain that focus. My personal changes are rooted in self-care, and from there, I know that I will develop the reserves required to keep moving forward, growing and evolving. And isn't that what keeps life interesting?

AMY MARTIN IS A NURSE PRACTITIONER AND THE OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF CENTER FOR HEALING THERAPIES IN WATERFORD. SHE CAN BE REACHED AT (860) 443-0800 OR AT AMYMARTIN@TIME4HEALING.COM