First name / Friend,
Today is the first day of spring. How does that make you feel?
If you're like me, this news brings a bit of relief.
This was a heavy winter season for many of us. And I think it's safe to say that we can all benefit from sunshine, longer days, and a bit more lightness in our lives.
Spring is a season that represents new beginnings, hope, transformation. It can symbolize starting fresh and generate excitement for what's ahead.
So this month, I'm offering you a short coaching activity to try. It will help you gain clarity on what you want to prioritize this season, and bring more happiness into your life.
A joy audit is a way to reflect on what has brought you the most joy in the past, and use that data to inform how you spend your time in the future.
Carve out 10 minutes this weekend to give it a try…
Completing Your Joy Audit
Step 1: Get out your journal and a pen. Set a timer for 7 minutes.
Step 2: During those 7 minutes, reflect on the last 12 months. Think of the moments when you felt the happiest, the most energized, and like your authentic self. Jot down a list of those memories in your journal (in no particular order).
Step 3: Once the timer runs out (or you've run out of ideas), look at the list. Then circle your 5 favorite memories.
Step 4: Look for patterns. Try to see if the memories have anything in common. Who were you with? What were you doing? Where were you? How did the activities align with your core values? Get specific.
Step 5: Based on what you uncover in the previous steps, set one or two intentions for how you want to spend your time this year. Then brainstorm a few actions that will move you in the right direction.
Example: When I do a joy audit, my favorite memories are almost always with good people, in pretty places, and involve goofiness. They reflect my values of community, connection, joy, and laughter.
In order for me to feel more joy this year, I know that I need to prioritize time with the people I love, spend time outside, and have fun.
So this year, I'll be making more intentional efforts to put time on the calendar with my favorite humans and get outside. I also will continue to build my local community in my (new) neighborhood.
. . .
After you do your joy audit, remember to ask yourself what you will need to say “no” to in order to make room for the “yes.”
Looking for more inspiration? Check out
this article with tips for how to spark new beginnings.
I'm also loving
this book about the practice of essentialism.
If you're able to complete your joy audit, reply to this email to let me know what you learn. I'd love to hear from you.
Wishing you love and light in the months ahead.
