Spring Fling

 

The calendar says it is Spring but, in most of the country, it hasn’t felt like it. It has been cold, wet and dreary… and not necessarily in that order. I can’t seem to get going.

I notice kids feeling the “drag”, too. It happens. They want to be less active, sometimes are less tolerant of change or requests and seem to need more motivation. Sound familiar?

Well, enough of this! Let’s feel “spring-like” – have enthusiasm and energy to match the proposed season. Here’s a game plan:Move away from the computer!  Get out-of-the-house. Plan outings with friends and family.

• Visit a museum, go bowling, meet for a movie or go to the zoo. Truly, “the more the merrier” when building energy.
• Do something physical. If you can’t go outside for a walk or playground visit, exercise or dance inside. Kids love to “rock-out” and upbeat music tends to improve moods. Does anyone remember the song “Go You Chicken Fat, Go!”? Kids will have fun with it.
• Create a buzz. Host an impromptu dinner and let the kids help cook or make festive table decorations. Have a tea party. Play pretend with your favorite stories or shows.
• Get excited about something that interests you. Go to the library to let the kids explore different topics. Roam a crafts store for a new hobby or inspiration for a current one. Maybe this is the time to enroll in classes: music, dance, sewing, drawing, computer…
• Change something in the house.  Could be as simple as a vase of flowers.  Rearrange the furniture.  Paint an accent wall.

This worked for me:

• I went with girlfriends to see the amazing Bouquets to Art at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco. Seeing the flowers indoors helped lighten the spirit.  Also gave me ideas on flower arrangements … although, mine will never look that good!
• Met a friend for a long (cold) walk. Had a dinner party – the aromas in the house were energizing, just like the company.
• Read 2 great books (My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman (love all his books), Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng)
• Finished knitting a sweater I had put aside.

I can happily say I AM READY FOR SPRING even if the weather isn’t!

This list is going on my bulletin board as a reminder of what to-do next time I have an energy drain.