Happy spring, officially!
I want to carry on with the spring-forward theme in my last post, this time focusing on giving your mental and emotional self a moment in this already busy year.
mental / regular reflection
It’s natural to stop and take stock of life at the beginning of a year. It’s essential to do regular check-ins with yourself throughout the year, too. Spring is a great transitional time to pause and ask:
Am I making time for me?
How’s my family dynamic? Have I connected with friends and faraway family?
Am I thriving at work or just humming along?
Is my home serving me, functionally and visually? Do I want to address a challenge or update a space?
These are just a few areas to ponder and possibly tweak for the next quarter. ALL of these prompts resonate with me and get my mind going on how to make improvements. As for what to start with, I’ve been leaning into my feelings and sensations more to determine which one needs my attention most.
emotional / tune into you
From a young age, my girls have been exploring feelings in school. What they are, when they show up, and how to handle emotional experiences. Growing up, I don’t ever remember being taught this invaluable life skill, let alone how to listen to what my feelings might be telling me.
In mid-2017, my family and I moved to start a new chapter. New jobs. New baby. First home. Things did not start out as planned, which made for an unsettling year. At the time, I couldn’t logically answer why things turned out that way. But I felt strongly that whatever the reason, it would be better for me in the end.
My feeling was right.
Much like last year, 2017 was a forced pause in my life and a chance to think deeply about my situation, how it made me feel (then, mostly resent; now, surprising gratitude), and what I could do to change my course. What truly made me feel good and purposeful?
It took a good two years to really listen to what my feelings were telling me, and I’m still learning and catching when reason or logic takes over. But it feels really good to hear what’s in my heart. I don’t have a prescriptive formula for how to do it, but using a mix of the following helps me tune in:
Talking time with my love every evening
Workout or outdoor walk
Thought writing or journaling
Nightly gratitude practice
Podcasts / Mindful in Minutes, What’s Essential, Super Soul Conversations
Books / Start With Why, Better Than Before, 168 Hours, Deep Work
If I hadn’t started listening, I may not have realized how much I wanted to help working parents, like me, create a home they love that supports their current self and lifestyle. That unsettling experience back in 2017 was absolutely a worthwhile blessing.
Okay. Your turn.
what way are you going to spring into the season — physically, mentally, emotionally, or all of the above?
Tell me which way has you excited and what your approach is going to be. Next post I’ll be back with design and organization ideas for a fun-filled space.
Always,
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