Most of what I see on Instagram or Pinterest is about how Spring is a beautiful time of year. I do not agree. Spring is hard for me.
If I am being completely honest, spring is a lot of work. It is finishing the school year well, deep cleaning the house, organizing my home (and often the finances). It is often when overwhelm and fatigue set in.
In the Arizona desert spring means that the summer heat is coming. It is also when the Palo Verde trees bloom and share pollen along with their beautiful yellow blossoms.
So, I make the best of it. I try to enjoy the beauty while in the midst of taking my next right steps (along with the allergy meds). I look for things to be thankful for. I write out the dreaded “Gratitude Lists”. I go for long walks and notice the blossoms on the trees, the fresh flowers planted by neighbors, and the new summer grass.
I also work on my rhythms and routines.
I take a deep look at what is working and what is weighing me down.
Often I make changes. What worked a few months ago does not work now (and vice versa). And that is okay. It is not a failure on my part, just a change in seasons.
- What about you?
- Do you like spring?
- What is it like in your state this month?
- What is working for you?
- What needs to change?
Maybe you are like me… you are also a member of the “Meh About Spring” fan club. (I totally wish that was a thing.) If so, I hope that one of these articles meets you where you are today.
Ideas to help you in the midst of Spring:
My Life in Lists
My Life in Lists
My lists are not about accomplishment, they are about focus.
- How List-Making brings me Freedom:
- Lists save me from getting distracted.
- List-making saves me time and brain space.
- Lists stretch me out of my comfort zone.
- Lists remind me that connection is important.
- Lists help me keep track of what I have completed.
- Why Make Lists?
- Lists are not about completion.
- Making a list is a moment of reflection.
5 Ways to Find Rest (from an Overachiever)
– How can we slow down when everything around us is moving at warp speed? Even when we manage to slow down our bodies, our souls still hum with activity.
- If I am in a hurry to make a decision, I will not trust my gut, or weigh all of the outcomes.
- Moving quickly in conversation damages the relationship.
- I say harsh things when I am distracted, multitasking, and rushing.
If you are like me, slowing down is a struggle. Here are some ways that I find rest in my busy home and this non-stop world.
5 Energy Levels in Homemaking & Working from Home
5 Energy Levels in Homemaking & Working from Home
Managing myself is hard. I have to constantly assess what is most important and then spend time on those things.
I must be diligent about how I invest my energy or it will be wasted on the unnecessarily urgent, the things that matter to other people, and the tasks that are fun.
I have learned that my energy and my time are the most valuable assets for me to keep an eye on. I only get so much each day. When it gets used up, it’s gone.
Why Decluttering Clears My Mind
My favorite way to feel in control of my environment is to declutter something when I am overwhelmed. When I feel emotionally drained, scattered, frustrated, and/or defeated I tackle small spaces that need to be organized.
So much of my life is investing into invisible things.
Some days it is all too much. I need a task where my work will not disappear right away. Something that cannot be undone immediately.
Clearing clutter gives me an inner sense of calm. A peace that things are where they should be. When I get rid of things I no longer need I am making space for things that do.
Why Decluttering Clears My Mind
A Prayer for You:
Dear Jesus,
You are the one who holds us togther Lord. You alone can calm our anxious hearts and bring us peace. I pray that no matter the circumstances in our lives that we can rest in You. Help us to see others with kindness and grace. Show us what really matters and what we can let go of. Help us grow in this season of Spring. Show us Your Wisdom and Your Love for those in our homes. Help us make time for drawing close to You.
Amen.
Let me walk alongside you in this season as we move forward with intention.
(But maybe without all the pastel bunny decor.) LoL.
We can do this! – April
Photos are from Unsplash .
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Merry Christmas!
In this busy season, it can be difficult to do all the things that we enjoy. All of the scheduled events, expectations from others, extra gatherings, gift buying (and wrapping)… it can all feel overwhelming. But, if we take the time to enjoy the traditions that we care about we can make memories and find……
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Embracing the Fall Season
This fall I am taking a break from writing and publishing. I am choosing to slow down. I will take more time to snuggle my kids close and enjoy handicrafts. I have an ambitious stack of books to read (with some new teas to try). I want to listen to more podcasts and audiobooks. I……
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Homeschool – Project Day
A few years ago I went through burnout. I realized during that time our weekends were so busy I did not have space for downtime, projects, or rest. I big piece of my healing was creating margin and making space for Sabbath. But even after I had slowed down on the weekends there was still……