The April Effect
The speed at which life flies by year after year has been quantified and romanticized throughout the ages. From great sagas that span generations of families but portrayed in an hour in our favorite Netflix series to favorites like Nicholas Spark’s, “The Notebook” which provides the relationship we all strive for, seeing a couple last through their golden years. And then there is that thing called daily life which we all experience and as great or as terrible as it may seem at times, it is fleeting.
Those with years of life experiences in their wheelhouse say that gratitude is a true way to not necessarily slow life down, but to pause it long enough to give it a high five and send it back to its nonsensical ways. It also makes the heart feel good to recognize that which makes us happy. As April is the 4th in a short lineup of 12 months, start of the 2nd quarter, and a gentle reminder we are a mere three months to the halfway point of this arbitrary thing called a year, we are introducing The April Effect.
The April Effect is a time to pause before moving into this new phase of spring and growth to take stock before moving forward. We liken it to an ABC of how to begin anew, only APRIL says everything we need it to.
Appreciation. Have someone in your life who never leaves despite the obstacles and irritations you may or may not pose? Thank them with your words, then follow-up with some inter-reflection and growth. Appreciate the little nuances of life that delight you like the birds who have taken haven in your yard and who rely on you for water and food. Give thanks for all the beauty that is yours to absorb just by standing still and looking around at nature.
Prioritize. Yes, it has been a quick minute since we celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah and here, we are in April. How does that process go quicker each year? Time to prioritize your time, talents, and money. Are you doing what brings you joy most of the time? Life cannot be perfect but if you are not finding moments of joy in a day filled with obligations and work, then the doldrums can set in very quickly. If you’ve been wanting to volunteer but wondering about your worth, there are countless organizations out there just waiting for you to call. And if money is flying out the window without thought of the future, take hold of your finances, and trim the fat where you can.
Reassess. Just as we have to occasionally restock the pantry and adjust with a huge haul from Sam’s, our personal lives need retooled at times. We get so busy taking care of loved ones and meeting employment obligations, we forget to check in on ourselves to see if we are working as efficiently as possible. Sleep patterns, wellness visits, healthy eating, and robust exercise are all crucial to our own existence. If we aren’t getting what we need, time to add or delete that which does not serve us.
Invest. Investing money would be nice, yes, but investing what you can in your home, job, and self doesn’t always require a monetary contribution. Spring cleaning with purging of unused and unwanted things is a terrific way to kick off April. If you are unsure of certain aspects of your job or feel stagnant, take the initiative to pursue other avenues or take the time to figure out how to love your job again. Spending a healthy day doing all of the beauty and health regimens you may usually skip is doable if only scheduled occasionally. If you love this kind of thing, then it’s a win/win. If not, force yourself and the payoff of a day of self-care is unsurpassed.
Love. Just love yourself, your family and friends and make sure they know it. And make sure to love the cranky neighbor or nosy Facebook friend because chances are they need the love. Love is the best way to begin our fourth month of the year and everyday thereafter.
Photos courtesy of Love What Matters Facebook page.