Notes from March
This essay originally appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 4/4/22.
As one of the items on my 22 in 2022 List, I’m writing a quick “recap” each month. It’s a fun exercise – especially if you need a pick-me-up on a Monday morning – and helps me reflect on all the things that happen (the big and the small) over the span of a few weeks.
Read on below for my 10 things from March, and what I’m looking forward to in April. If you have a ritual you rely on to mark the end of the month, I’d love to hear about it!
March’s 10 Notes:
- I ran my first 8k!! I ran the Shamrock Shuffle, which is a run I’ve always wanted to participate in since moving to Chicago. Loved seeing everyone in green and was so thankful that the weather cooperated (yay for sunny skies & not-too-chilly temps!).
- The Shamrock Shuffle was a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and so was making it down to see the Chicago River in all its green glory the weekend before. In case you didn’t know, Chicago goes ALL out for St. Patrick’s Day the weekend before the 17th. The river is dyed green, there is a parade and more. Always such a fun day!
- March also brought a few days of warm-weather temps (I’m talking all the way up to 65 degrees!!), and it was glorious. It didn’t last long, but I thoroughly enjoyed a couple of long walks and a fun lunch on a patio (!) with friends. Thankful for the little taste of summer to get us through this last bit of winter.
- Because while March offers a few surprisingly warm days, I was also reminded it’s not uncommon to go an entire week without seeing the sun. 🙁 And that can seriously impact your mood (or at least, it can for me). This year I’m continuing something I started last year: tracking the days the sun is out on my calendar. It sounds funny, but I found this to be helpful for two reasons: 1) if I was feeling a bit off or low one day, I would reference my calendar to clue myself in on the last time I saw the sun. More often than not, my dip in mood was correlated with the sun not being out, which helped me make sense of my feelings and 2) before I complained about the weather (do you even live in Chicago if your go-to isn’t complaining about the weather?), I would check the calendar and remind myself that even though it feels like the sun hasn’t been out all month, looking at the month as a whole, there were actually more sunny days than I thought.
- Okay, enough about the weather… pivoting to TV shows: did you watch The Dropout last month? I’m enjoying it and think it’s well done (Amanda Seyfried is amazing!). I read the book – Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup – a few years ago and it’s interesting to see the [crazy] story told in another way. Next on my list to watch in the startup scandal rotation? WeCrashed.
- I loved listening to this podcast episode and this podcast episode about distractions, focus and attention. It’s a topic I’m pretty fascinated about right now, especially as I read the book Four Thousand Weeks. Stay tuned for more thoughts…
- Elin Hilderbrand, I love you! Seriously, I think I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book of hers that I’ve picked up. It’s so convenient to have a go-to author. In March, I read two of her books – The Sixth Wedding, a short-story follow-up to 28 Summers, and her newest novel, Golden Girl, which I recap more below. I really liked it!!
- As a fun treat, I bought a variety pack of Loops face masks last month. They are pricier than other face masks, but I did feel a difference in quality. They don’t slip and slide around! Not an everyday thing, but it was a fun Sunday night treat.
- I also started using a new perfume in March. I picked this one because it was on sale (half off!), and I’m liking it. It’s fresh and floral, which makes it perfect for Spring.
- Speaking of purchases, I need a new planner for Q2! Anyone have one they like? I used the Full Focus planner for the past two quarters and really like it, but I want to change it up. I’m leaning toward this one.
And looking ahead, a few things I’m excited about in April!:
- Spending over a week in Florida!! I’m already here and can’t wait to continue to soak up time with my parents, enjoy time off work, and bask in the warm temps.
- I’m in Florida because one of my friends from high school is getting married this Friday!! CAN’T WAIT! Seeing old friends is good for the soul. I’m lucky I was able to see some friends from college last weekend too.
- Turning 28 this month! Eeek! Love birthdays. 🙂
- And lastly, I’m starting some new projects at work. I’m excited (and a little nervous). Looking forward to being challenged in some new ways!
Want to receive a note like this to your inbox every Monday at 6 AM EST? Sign up here! If you don’t receive the email, please check your spam or junk folder.
Have feedback, thoughts or a question you want addressed in an upcoming newsletter? Drop an anonymous note to my mailbox here!