Springtime check in

Happy Sunday! This first quarter of the year is coming to a close, and here in the pacific northwest spring is in full bloom. It’s a perfect time to schedule a little time to think about your intentions or goals for the year.

I know today is a holiday for many people (HAPPY EASTER! We’re not a religious household, but this is SiSi's absolute fave day of the year, btw) so this weekend may be full. But perhaps this coming week you can find time to carve out 30 minutes (better yet 2 hours, even better a full day!) It could be a lunchtime walk by yourself. Or a moment of focused alone time at the beginning or end of the day.

Pull out a notebook (I always recommend analog handwritten notes on real paper!) and jot down some thoughts.

Here are some questions to help you get started:

  • Put yourself back on January 1, and think about what your expectations were for the end of March. How does that make you feel?

  • Now, thinking back still, what struggles did you face in the last few months? Unexpected troubles or distractions. Life happens, and it helps to put things in perspective as we judge what we’ve been able to accomplish if we also take real life into consideration.

  • What are you most proud of right now? It doesn't have to be something from the last few months, but it can be! Think about what makes your heart swell. Are there ways you can lean into that, create more of it, or just pull that to the front of your mind on a daily basis or whenever you’re feeling low?

  • What does life look like today compared to January 1st of this year?

  • Okay, now we’ll look ahead. What known things are ahead of you? What are the exciting things, the things you’re not looking forward to, the challenges you’ll be facing between now and summertime? List them out. Big and small.

  • Can you allow more margin in the weeks and months ahead? Are there planned vacations, and deeply relaxing times you’ve carved out for yourself? Do you create space in your daily schedule for catching up and getting caught off guard?

  • Gratitude is important, and so is finding ways to be of service to others. How are you going to fill your life with these things too, before your springtime gets completely filled with obligations and scheduling conflicts?

Even if you can’t create a routine to make this kind of reflection and planning an official part of your life just yet, you can still harness the spirit of this season of renewal to pause and hold space for some gratitude and intention. Your life is a gift, from you and to you.

Don’t take that for granted.

In full bloom,

Marit

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