When I sense that winter is finally on its last leg, my soul starts to get a little giddy. After one too many days of snow, slush, and sweaters, I long to escape to milder, sweeter days of spring’s shoots, buds, and flowers. However, far too often, I’m so quickly swept away by the plans and demands of a new season that I entirely forget to celebrate its arrival.
New seasons bring necessary changes to our lives and routines. But what if, rather than letting ourselves be swept away by the new season’s to-do list, we allowed ourselves the space and time to celebrate this new spring? And what if, by doing so, we learned to better prioritize our health, our hearts, and our homes?
If this sounds like something your soul needs, I invite you to join me in making a few small, thoughtful changes to fight against the busyness and demands of this new season. Here are some practical ways that you can begin to joyfully celebrate spring:
1. Schedule a deep-cleaning day—for your home and for your heart.
Choose a day, mark it on your calendar, and treat it like a date with yourself. Bust out those cleaning supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let yourself go wild scrubbing away at the dust and grime that has accumulated in those hard-to-reach places during the long winter.
But while you’re at it, be sure to pay the same time and attention to your heart. Make your deep-cleaning day a time of prayer and reflection and sweep out those hard-to-reach corners inside of you. Here are some possible points of reflection:
● What changes would you like to see in your heart, your speech, or your attitude this spring?
● Who might you need to seek forgiveness from? Who might you need to forgive?
Getting rid of the dust in your home and your heart will leave you space to breathe, to be, and to start afresh this spring.
Getting rid of the dust in your home and your heart will leave you space to breathe, to be, and to start afresh this spring.
2. Try a new recipe with some seasonal produce.
There’s nothing quite as comforting for your body or soul as a homemade meal prepared with fresh, seasonal produce. Not only will your meal taste richer with these freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, but your body will thank you for the boost in nutrients and antioxidants they provide. This spring, try picking up some fresh asparagus, cauliflower, and mushrooms for a tasty seasonal stir-fry. You could also try some locally-grown spinach and citrus fruits for a light and refreshing spinach salad. Top it off with a little in-season avocado to make it even richer and more filling!
3. Choose a new natural spring fragrance to freshen up your home.
I’m a huge fan of using all-natural, therapeutic-grade essential oils to add an uplifting scent to my family’s living spaces, and it’s the perfect time to try out some new blends to celebrate the arrival of spring. This month, consider diffusing a combination of citrus oils—orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit—for both an energizing fragrance and a boost in your mood and immunity. Or, try out a new floral oil—perhaps geranium or lavender—for some peace and calm.
4. Leave some margin in your life this season to let your ideas and creativity bloom.
Is there an idea, an activity, or a hobby that’s been on your heart lately? Whether it’s reading for pleasure, knitting, watercolor painting, or starting your own small business, I challenge you to use this new season to set aside the time, effort, and intention to make it happen. Write it in your planner, mark it on your family’s calendar, and set aside a day and time to let that creative dream bloom and grow. Let your family know that this new pursuit is important to you, and ask for their support. Even better, invite them to join you in it this spring!
5. Take a nature walk.
What better way to celebrate the days growing longer and the new buds of spring than to take a mindful walk outdoors? This spring, venture beyond the familiar routes and walking paths of your own neighborhood and find a new trail or nature reserve to explore. I continue to be blown away by the natural, hidden gems that I’ve found. Explore by yourself and enjoy the beautiful vistas with some solace and prayer time, or take along your family or friends to share in the experience with you.
6. Commit to studying a new book of the Bible.
Start out this spring with spiritual intentionality by choosing a new book of the Bible to read through and study. Prayerfully ask the Lord what He might be leading you to learn and reflect upon this season, and recommit to seeking new growth and knowledge of His Word. If you prefer, ask a friend or your spouse to join you in your study.
7. Show some love and care to a room, wall, or nook of your home.
Once you’ve tackled that spring cleaning day, why not bring a little more joy to your heart and your home by revamping an important space? As the years go by, I grow more and more convinced that our spaces deeply matter—whether the space is a rented room, a small apartment, or a new house. Whether this task calls for an entire bedroom redesign, a rearrangement of furniture, or simply the painting of an accent wall, it is crucial we approach our homes with love and intentionality. Cultivating a space that feels warm, comfortable, and cared for, will set a bright and joyful tone for the entire season.
It is my hope that by taking the time to pause, making a few practical changes to our daily routines, and celebrating this new season of life, we will feel rested, refreshed, and encouraged as women of the Lord. May we be continually reminded—as wives, mothers, daughters, and caretakers—of the importance of prioritizing our own physical health, our hearts, and our homes. May we choose to boldly celebrate this spring, to soak in its beauty, and to rejoice over it.
Encourage other women by sharing this post.
2 comments
I love where you say our spaces deeply matter. I might need to bust out the cleaning supplies! Thank you for your beautiful article.
From walking, to natural essential oils to everything else, loved reading your article.