March Goals

There is no time like Spring,
When life’s alive in everything.
– Christina Rossetti, ‘Spring‘

Hello, March! Ah, I love this month: blooming buds, catkins on the trees, tulips making their debut—it puts a spring in my step! This change of season has so much to teach us about hope. After winter always comes spring.

February was full of forward motion on my 2023 goals, waves of grief, and wildly exciting progress in my health.

Grief, as I’m continuing to learn, is often unexpected and all-consuming. It holds on and won’t let go until you do. Superbowl Sunday was a favorite of my dad’s. He would have called to see if we were watching the game. A few days later was Valentine’s day. He would have called to tell me how much he loved me. I couldn’t help the quiet tears pouring during my dinner date with Ari. I missed hearing his voice. My mom faced the daunting task of donating the rest of his clothing in February. The first year is filled with so many hurdles. She visited us last week, and it was just what we both needed. We shared memories, expressed our grief on morning walks, and I let the tears fall once again in telling her that I couldn’t think of getting on an airplane again this year. I took 64 flights last summer as dad was living his final days. I usually have several family trips planned by January, but I haven’t been able to do it this year for many reasons. I know this won’t last forever, and I’m trying to be easy on myself. Ari wants to take a weekend away for our anniversary, and we will drive somewhere local for that.

But time is ticking, and I want to make memories with our family. Grief is always a call to Psalm 90:12 for me: “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Moses’ request of God leads me to see that life is fleeting, and I want to make the most of the time I’m given. On my tending list this month, you’ll see “plan family travel.” It’s a task in which I trust my faith will grow as I let go and let the grief come once again.

What I loved in February:

—The flowers blooming and eating kale almost daily from our winter garden!
—Cultivating my health. More to come in my next update! I loved reading your thoughts on my last post.
— The Glorify app. I discovered this through someone I follow on Instagram and have loved doing this every day. Each day you use the app, you get more water to grow a “tree.” I’m a sucker for growing things, so you know I love this little boost. The narration is excellent, and the readings are simple. I’ve done several “reflections” as post-exercise cooldowns and with the kids at night.
—Time with my mom.
—In February, I dug into the Word more, learned how to better recover from workouts, and used my journal in new ways. I learned so much!

And now, onto March! Here’s to new habits, trying new things, and refreshing my commitment to what matters most. I continue to love my 2023 PowerSheets goals and am grateful for another month to learn and grow in faithfulness. _{Affiliate links are used in this post – enjoy!}

What I’m looking forward to:

Celebrating 17 years of marriage! We hope to take a weekend away to celebrate. I’m also looking forward to digging into my March goals: planting our seeds, lots of learning (on my bedside table: Winter Swimming, Young Forever, Food: What the Heck Should I Cook, and Why We Sleep), cultivating my health, a focused month of physical therapy on my shoulder and legs, and making our 2023-2024 homeschool plans.

In this new month, and always, I want to be present, generous, and faithful. I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store, and I’m grateful for right now. Happiest March, friends!

Your turn! What are you focusing on this month? I’d love to hear.

P.S. Looking for the perfect spring gift? I just saw that Gracie’s Garden is on sale right now, and it’s perfect for the growing season – hurry, this won’t last long! 🥕☀️