As I write this, the clock has sprung forward, most snow has melted, and Lucy behaved like an angel baby on a long road trip. Before you know it, we will see bright-colored flowers popping up in our yards. Spring—glorious spring!

Mixing with the good, great, and grand of spring is something most of us do not enjoy—the wind. Maybe this year, our heavy snowfall will keep the dirt and dust settled on farm ground, not our patios and window sills. We can hope.

I love living with four seasons. Nature gifts me four auto resets—time to reflect and regroup. Today, I’m thinking of a weed blower and deep cleaning—especially the slush havoc on my garage floor.

My next thought is to slow down. We know jumping in and cleaning up too soon means we get to do it more than once. My mother would say, “Stitching on Sunday means ripping on Monday.” She spoke about honoring the sabbath, but I think it’s also a reminder to wait and see—a good rule for life.

Artist Leo Posillico painted a silhouette couple in bed with a bedspread and pillow made from letters. He titled the painting, LET’S SLEEP ON IT. Maybe he was thinking of a couple in conflict or with a serious decision to make. Putting time between a thought and an action is a good idea.

Waiting can save time and energy if we don’t polish the patio until May. We can save money by waiting until the odds of frost are past to plant outside flowers. Sleeping on it can help us avoid significant purchase or relationship errors. Spontaneity adds fun and diversity to life, but in general, the big picture of life holds less regret if we think before we act.

We have better wellness, mentally and physically, if we think twice before climbing a ladder, eating a plate of deep-fried cheese, buying that pretty new car, or leaving the house late for an appointment. Planning, being thoughtful, and remembering our values can save us a lot of grief.

Most decisions have consequences, and we give ourselves a better chance at positive outcomes when we stop and wait for a day or two (or three) before moving forward. Stress, guilt, injury, and financial oops are not included in the ideal recipe for a productive and responsible life.

We can’t eliminate negative feelings or accidents from life, but we can avoid many mishaps if we remember to think before we act.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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