March is always a really busy month for our family and this year was no exception. (At least Easter wasn’t in March this year). But despite the business, we still managed to get stuff done and even enjoy life a little bit.
Something Loved
For the second year in the a row, we’ve celebrated my birthday by having dinner out with friends. Now that our kids are old enough to leave together in the charge of our 16 year old, we can enjoy a grown ups only date night without worrying about needing a sitter.
While we didn’t end up with enough time to play a board game, we did enjoy a lovely leisurely night with friends that really made the weekend special.
We also helped chaperone the spring dance at our hybrid school and it was such a lovely evening. We helped design and set up the lights and it was so gratifying to see eyes light up when they came into the gym and it was transformed. (Especially given our limited budget).
Another special moment of the night was the joy of dancing with my fourteen year old son. (Who, as it turns out, is a pretty good swing dancer). I was exhausted in all the best ways and I haven’t smiled so much in a long time.
Something that Sustained Me
When my life gets busy, I tend to neglect reading. It’s easy to forget how much joy it brings me especially when I pick a book I know will have an ending that makes me feel good. (I do read a number of different genres but sometimes I need a break from my favorite British mystery/police procedural and return to inspirational/romantic fiction with an all but guaranteed HEA.)
I also recognize the health and importance of reading a physical book rather than a ebook. My current library only let’s me borrow e-books on my phone rather than my Kindle. While this is convenient and allows me to read in low light or after my husband turns the lights out without bothering him, I know it isn’t as healthy for my brain.
The times that I’ve committed to reading a physical book I’ve noticed such a difference in how I feel when I turn in for the night.
Something Carrying Forward
I’m trying to learn to take time off. There is always so much to do that it’s easy to justify working all the hours instead of just letting it be enough. Any given week feels like chaos here but I’m trying to just work in the downtime, even when it feels like there isn’t time. This might be a breakfast date with my husband or even a joint day off (something I’m looking forward to very much). This is something I’ve had mixed success with in the past but I’m trying to embrace it going forward.
Something To Make Space for
More than once recently someone in our family has uttered the words “there’s nothing to look forward to.” So I’ve been trying to make space for some deliberate fun in our lives. Scheduling weekends away or trying to plan a simple family summer trip feel like work when I don’t have the energy but I know it will be worth it.
Right now I’m focusing on trying to book a weekend away for me and my husband and then take things from there.
March was mostly delightful, if busy and I’m looking forward to some high points in April.
I link up with a group of faithful writers monthly (when I remember to actually post) through My Joyful Life: Share 4 Somethings,as we reflect on the past month.
Having things to look forward to is a game-changer for me too! Even if it is just a small thing! And, like you, I really enjoy a real book in my hands. Happy April to you –