May 2023 Intentions

This essay initially appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 5/1/23.

The first of a month ON a Monday?! That’s when you know it’s going to be a good month.   

May has big “on the precipice of something” energy. The weather starts to transition into a new season, the school year comes to an end, graduates excitedly move tassels from right to left.

I’m really looking forward to this month. While April didn’t turn out to be as “open” as I was anticipating, there is so much happening May that I’m not pressuring myself to do too much “extra.” Enjoying some of the special moments coming up and maintaining my regular habits will feel heroic enough. 

If you’re looking for a boost this Monday, try leaning into the fresh start feeling of a new week AND a new month. What do you have coming up this May? What are you excited about? 

What’s happening this May?

• I’m going to be home in Florida for a full week (this week!). I haven’t been home since January. So excited to soak up the time at home. 
• My youngest brother Ryan graduates from Florida State University this Friday (hence the trip home). I’m so proud of him and it feels like  a milestone/start of a new chapter for my family. I can’t wait to celebrate him! 
• I’m headed to Columbus one weekend to celebrate my cousin Ethan who is graduating from high school. Can’t wait to see the Bell’s!
• Matt’s brother gets MARRIED the last weekend in May. It is going to be such a special weekend and I’m really looking forward to it. 

May 2023 Intentions

• Lean into the special events in May and focus on being present. When I write it all out, I can see how much is planned for May (I’ll only be in Chicago one weekend!). However, I can’t really explain why, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I’m so excited for all these events and am really craving this connection time with family and friends. Want to keep that mindset and focus on being present during these big events!  
• No shop May. I always have success with this in January, so I want to run it back this month. Not only is impulse shopping a go-to stress relief (and one I could see myself falling back on this month), but there are also some things I’m saving for, and limiting shopping is the easiest way for me to feel more in control/more on top of my spending. 
• Go on walks after work. Since I’ll be out of town most weekends in May, looking to make my weekday evenings feel restful and restorative. So excited it’s staying light later and with the weather *hopefully* turning, after-work walks feel like the perfect addition for May. 

Happy May!