We've all heard the old saying, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." It refers to the early days of March, which can still feel very wintry, while the month gradually quiets down and makes room for the beauty and calm of spring.
Throughout the ages, poets have written many verses about March, from Shakespeare to Dickinson. One quote, attributed to "unknown," says: "Winds of March, we welcome you. Work and play and blow all day. Blow the winter wind away." While winter weather patterns can be unpredictable, everyone is always looking forward to spring's arrival.
With each new month and season, I enjoy finding small nuggets of entertainment and noting special birthdays of famous people, and March is no exception. Albert Einstein was a March baby, and his quotes still ring true today. One of my favorites is: "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change."
Years ago, a mentor encouraged me to be a "change agent" in life, reminding me that change is constant. I've reinvented myself many times to take advantage of new opportunities. I accept that this is simply part of who I am, and I've learned to embrace change.
And here's a March joke: What falls but doesn't get hurt in March? ...Rain.
Change may come like a lion sometimes, but learning to welcome it can lead to beautiful new seasons in our lives.
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's thoughts on embracing change really hit home for me, especially when it comes to retirement planning. A lot of people ask me, "When should I start making changes to prepare for retirement?" The answer is that change doesn't have to wait for a specific season of life. In 2026, we're seeing folks make smart adjustments at every age, whether that's increasing their 401k contributions (up to $23,000 this year, or $30,500 if you're 50 or older), understanding their Social Security benefits, or exploring Medicare options as they approach 65.
Think of it this way: just like March's weather patterns, your financial needs will shift over time. The key is staying flexible and working with those changes rather than fighting them. Maybe you're switching from accumulating wealth to creating steady retirement income, or perhaps you're adjusting your Medicare Supplement plan during Open Enrollment. These transitions might feel big at first, but they're just natural seasons of financial life.
Here's the good news: every small change you make today, whether it's reviewing your IRA beneficiaries or learning about Roth conversions, helps prepare you for whatever comes next. And just like spring always follows winter, a little preparation today can make tomorrow much brighter.