April Reflection Again
Everything is busy, so I stole a few minutes to think about April and what I need for May. As always, I’m following reflection questions from Emily P. Freeman’s newsletter. You can sign up here.
Name a moment of celebration in April.
In this family, we love a road trip. So although we weren’t planning a vacation for spring break, we took a couple of day trips that had us in the car for long hours, watching gray, cloudy skies and fields slowly turning green. We went to bookstores, shopped for clothes, ate amazing tacos, and saw places we hadn’t been in years. I love these days: a book open on my lap, video games pinging in the backseat, and always—always—someone singing.
What did you need more of in April?
I journal every day, but this week, it’s been more like random sentences while I try to wake up, and never much more than a paragraph. I need some space for writing, for finishing thoughts, for wrapping my mind around all the things I want to say. I need space for dreaming about words again, and for celebrating the goals I’ve reached, which I’ve rushed past in a desire to squeeze in a few words somewhere. I know May will be busy with end-of-the-year activities for school, but I hope to at least get started with a better rhythm.
I’m also ready for more time outside. On the few warm days we’ve had, I have already felt my heart and mind slow as I reach toward summer. I need to sit outside and watch my son play ball, and maybe shoot a few myself. I need long walks and lazy afternoons in the hammock. I need the sunshine and soft warm breeze. I can’t wait.
What’s one arrow you’re following into May?
My kids are growing up so fast. My son is shooting upward practically overnight, and my daughter is almost as tall as I am, all arms and legs and feet and gorgeous face. I used to read them books and sit on the floor to play imaginary games, or chase them over the yard playing superheroes. Now, I’m trying to follow the arrows of the new things they want to do. I want to listen so hard, to pay attention to what they’re telling me, and what they’re not. I want to find new ways to have fun with them and let them know they’re so very loved.