Spring Refresh
I love a new beginning.
Sometimes we can get so stuck in a certain way of living and being, that we may forget that change is always possible. At any point, we can make the decision to change course in favor of a better path. I feel like the change in season is the perfect time to do this because you can sort of feel the sense of change a foot. You can feel a change in temperature, or the subtle shifts of the sun in the sky throughout the day. In the Spring you start to notice things coming back to life, and the birds chirping. To me, it signifies a time of renewal. Maybe you've been hibernating as would be natural for winter. But as soon as that first 50-60 degree day hits, it feels like we're all ready to come out of our holes and face the sun. The other natural thought since Spring feels like an especially short season in New England, is that summer is right on its heels. And I don't know about you, but I like to maximize my summer with as much fun and spontaneity as I can possibly cram in. That means that Spring needs to be a time of focus where I can tackle things I don't want to carry into summer, leaving a sort of feeling of freedom when I enter summer. So today I'm going to start thinking about what could use a Spring reset in my life. What are the things that feel like they naturally need to adjust in order to maximize Spring, and free myself up when summer approaches? Here's what I'm focusing on in the different areas of my life. Maybe it will give you ideas too!
Home Refresh
I need to make some décor updates, because I admit I still have some Valentine's Day décor up and… I do have one planter that still has winter greenery in it. I also have a few throw blankets on our couch that need to be replaced after years of wear and tear. Typically the décor refresh is my favorite part of each season. Replacing candle scents and colors, with Spring bringing in pastels and Easter vibes. But I've actually struggled when thinking about this. I've been holding back from spending money with companies/corporations that don't align with my morales and values, and I'm sad to say that some of my fav sources for home décor are on the list that got the boot. So I'm going to have to get creative here. Obviously I have some items from last year that I can use, and I just brought home a whole car load of foraged pussy willow branches that a friend offered me from her yard. Those will be the perfect touch. Beyond that I'll be scoping out local businesses for a few new design elements to add in.
Our yard could use some TLC as we prepare to be outside more. We need to buy a power washer and clean our fence, as well as clear out my she shed as I prepare to re-paint the interior when it gets warm enough. There's just something about a fresh coat of paint that really does it for me ;) Along with that, we need to empty out our sheds of all the junk in them, as the sheds need some wood replaced and a fresh paint as well. Likely done by yours truly.
Work Refresh
My garage studio needs a deep cleaning over the next few weeks to prepare for some major work coming up. Getting rid of a lot of stuff, cleaning, and getting some new/replacement supplies like new water buckets. It always feels so good when this is done, and sort of rejuvenates me for the work ahead. I also need to tackle some work to do's that have been lingering, that just require heavy concentration time. I recently figured out that when it's nice enough to sit outside, if I sit out with my laptop, I really tend to lose track of time and get a ton of stuff done. And it's enjoyable, because I'm also enjoying being outside in the sun. So I'll be scoping my weather app to figure out the next nice days, and plan to use those to tackle some of that work.
Health Refresh
My workout routine has been a little all over the place, for various reasons including sickness, etc. Last week I felt like I was getting back in my usual routine, and I'd like to maintain that through spring. I also had a walking work meeting which I realized was an amazing idea to start offering people who I partner with locally. Getting a walk in and a work meeting done at the same time felt pretty amazing, so highly recommend if that's an option for you. It could also be a phone call while walking.
I'm noticing my food preferences start to change with the shift of seasons too. More interest in salads and fruit and less so in heavier meals. This season I'd like to look up some of the millions of saved recipes I have that I haven't tried (am I the only one who amasses recipes like this?) and add them to my weekly rotation to try.
This year I've been forcing myself (since I admittedly procrastinate in this area) to make doctors apts. I've knocked two apts off so far, but I have three more that I need to schedule. I really need to get those done so I don't have to keep this on my to do list, and since apts tend to take awhile to get booked.
Joy & Fun Refresh
I've noticed that over the winter months, I tend to watch more tv, and read less. Which is fine, but I do notice that I'm happier when I'm reading more and watching less. I also find that the seasons I read the most in are the warmer seasons, because I tend to read a lot outside. So this is the perfect time to get back on my reading game.
I need to start scheduling things for both Spring and Summer to look forward to. I have some things in April, but could use a few more. And I need to start booking things like summer concerts that I know I'll have FOMO over if I don't get to go.
This is where I'm starting with my refresh, with more to come. I love the feeling of Spring and a new beginning. And with more sunlight hours in our days, it feels like we have more time to work with too ;)
What are you doing to refresh?!
XO
