Happy Spring Equinox! I am so excited to see flowers creeping up outside and warmer temperatures in my forecast. We are not talking about the chance of snow next weekend.

My excitement is based on all the grand plans I am making for not being cooped up indoors. Making plans is a good thing, because goals give us something to look forward to, but sometimes I over commit or forget to allow for chance and compromise when I am setting my goals, and then I become stressed, disheartened and depressed.

I was journaling strategies to avoid this trap last night and thought I’d continue brainstorming with you.

Balancing Spring Expectations with Personal Grace

• Go easy on yourself: Just because it’s nice outside, doesn’t mean you have to walk 5 miles a day. Start slow with exercise goals or yard work. Remember that every step forward is progress, even if you can’t touch the finish line yet.
• Get organized: I have so many calendars to keep me organized that it’s ridiculous. I have a huge desk calendar at work, a shared family calendar on my phone and a meal planning calendar on my fridge. I plan to add spring cleaning goals to the family calendar so everyone knows what we need to accomplish before we have fun. One Saturday we will wash all the dog beds and give them a bath. Another weekend we will organize the garage. You’ll be amazing how clear your mind is when your home is clean and organized.
• Take time for yourself. If you have joined me ob my journaling journey, spend a few minutes sitting outside and writing your thoughts. Take a solo walk. Heck, send your family outside and have a cup of coffee in the house by yourself, whatever makes you feel relaxed. Spring fills up with breaks, and sports and end of school year stuff faster than you realize and you can’t be fully present if you never take time to take care of you.

I would love to read how you balance your spring expectations. Leave an idea in the comments.

Wishing you a bright and blooming spring.

Kristie