Monday, 4/8/24: Talking about planning April

Happy Monday!

It’s a new week, which means it’s time for your next Monday motivation newsletter.

Read on below for some steps to a happier Monday and some positive thoughts to get your week started.

Three Steps to a Happier Monday

Each newsletter starts with three prompts to inspire gratitude and simple intention setting. Take a moment and jot down answers to these three questions. To give an example, I share my answers below.  

Step 1: What are three things I appreciated from the weekend? 

Step 2: What is one thing I can be excited about today?

Step 3: What is my intention for this week? 

GRATITUDE: From my weekend, I am thankful for a fun Friday night, time with my mom and sunshine on Saturday. 

TODAY: I’m most excited for my run outside this morning!

INTENTION: My intention this week is to write down 5 things I’m thankful for each night.

Meaningful Musings: April Intentions

I’m writing this as it rains outside, which is quite fitting for April! I don’t know what spring is like where you are, but in Chicago, “spring” is more like a continuation of winter, with a few warmer, sunnier days peppered in.

Personally, I find these months harder to get through than the beginning of winter, but I know summer is on its way. I can’t wait until those long, sunny days when I can go outside without having to think about it being cold or if it’s going to rain. We are close!!

One thing I am loving about this spring is watching the big tree in front of my window start to bloom. Matt and I moved into this apartment at the end of June last year – when the tree boasted all of its gorgeous green leaves – so it’s been fun to watch the leaves change, fall off and now start to bud again up close. The tree is one of the first things I see every morning and it’s progress reminds me of the transient season we are in. It makes me think of a quote I read a few years ago in Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary  Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness. The author writes:

“Spring restores our consciousness of time, and even more so, of possibility. The thawing of the hard earth, the flowing of sap, the bursting open of millions of buds: as the slow land quickens, we feel the energy of new beginnings around us, and our attention turns to the future. We are reminded of what a thrill it is to know that joy is speeding toward us, and to stand awaiting it with open arms.”

My monthly planning ritual is also a way I restore my consciousness of time – and – of possibility. Taking a beat to think about what’s coming up this month and how I want to spend my time makes me more mindful and more grateful for the season – even if it is a cold, gray one. 🙂

With that, let’s get to planning! 

Anything big or unique happening this April?

• I’m not traveling at all this month – staying put in Chicago and generally have some white space on the calendar. 
• I turn 30!!! Hello, new decade! So excited. 
• I’ll get to see my mom when she is visiting a friend one weekend!

April 2024 Intentions

• Celebrate turning 30. As one of my goals for the year is to usher in a new decade joyfully, I have been thinking about this one. Excited for some reflection, fun and pampering (!) I have planned for myself. I’m looking forward to turning 30 and I also want to spend some time reflecting back on my 20s (what a decade !).
• Replenish packing essentials. Since I’m not traveling this month, what a great time to restock my travel essentials, making it easier to pack for future trips. 
• Fresh flowers around the apartment! What better way to brighten up dreary days than with colorful flowers? Plus, I’m not traveling all month, so I’ll be here to enjoy them. (PS – I think one of the best places to get flowers is Trader Joe’s. Affordable and last long!)

What are you looking forward to this April? 

Picture of the Week

That’s all for today! I hope you found something in today’s newsletter that sparked motivation, made you smile or inspired a positive Monday thought. Don’t underestimate the power of starting small… a fulfilling week starts with just one fulfilling day. You’ve got this!

Let’s make it a great Monday!
Megan