First name / Friend,
Earlier this week, I was elated when I realized the change from winter to spring was official.
I've always had a fondness for spring. While I appreciate parts of the winter season, I'm usually very ready to say goodbye to it when spring arrives.
Winter rarely feels light to me. Between the shorter days, colder temperatures, and my busy season for work, it's a lot. I fully understand why animals hibernate during the winter.
So when spring arrives and the flowers start to bloom, I feel a lot different. I experience hope, curiosity, and a boost of motivation.
Spring is all about new beginnings and transformations. It symbolizes a fresh start and an opportunity to create the space for what you desire in your life.
Spring is my favorite time of year to set what I call seasonal intentions. During the month of March, I try to get curious about the seeds I want to plant, and where I want to bloom.
This spring, I'll be focusing on two things:
1 - A return to healthy habits
Since the beginning of the year, I've been living in a rental home while my primary home is being remodeled. While it's an absolute privilege, my new environment has made healthy routines a bit challenging.
This spring I'll be focusing on practicing the habits that I know work for me. Whether it's going on my morning walks, getting in my weekly Barre classes, or doing my weekly grocery run, I'm here for it. I'll also be scaling back social media and time on my phone.
2 - Making room for JOY
Earlier this year, I shared in the Monthly Digest about JOY being my word for 2024. While I had beautiful memories in 2023, there weren't enough everyday moments where I felt pure, authentic, and unfiltered joy - and I really need that in 2024.
This spring I want to intentionally create joyful memories. Whether it's meeting a friend at the Denver Botanic Gardens, reading a book on my deck, or decorating my home, I am ready for it.
. . .
This month, please join me in setting two intentions for spring.
Not sure where to start? Consider trying these three strategies:
1 - Give your house a good spring cleaning
Look around your home. Are there clothes you don't wear, books you'll never read, or gadgets sitting around in the kitchen? Carve out blocks of time to get rid of clutter, clean surfaces, and create a home environment that brings you peace of mind.
2 - Spend more time outside
Spending time outside has countless benefits for our health. And coming out of the winter season, we really need more of it. Consider setting a goal to spend a certain amount of time (ex: 10 minutes) each day outside. Build it into your daily routines.
3 - Ask yourself the energy question
When we're setting goals, sometimes we overthink things. One of the best questions I've heard is the following: What is giving vs. depleting my energy right now?
Get out a sheet of paper and create two columns. In the left column, write down what is giving you energy, and in the right column, write down what is draining your energy. This will help you illuminate what you can say “yes” or “no” to this spring.
. . .
“The beautiful spring came; and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” - Harriett Ann Jacobs
If your soul needs a bit or reviving these days, please know that you are not alone.
Remember that you've been planting seeds this winter season and will start to see the blooms emerge - as long as you are patient with yourself.
