What I Learned: Spring 2017

And just like that…

…spring rushes into summer, leaving its fragrant blooms behind and taking its rain clouds with it to reveal the relentless summer sun. We’re almost in June, friends! I cannot even believe it! I knew this May was going to be a particularly busy month for us — but even with my calendar shouting “overcommitted,” I still found myself feeling out of breath these past couple of weeks as the days disappeared at record speed! From graduate school trips to weekend getaways to helping family move out of state to my sister’s wedding, I believe I’ve barely been home one full week this month…phew! It’s been a whirlwind, but a happy one. One of the good things about all the exciting experiences this month and this whole spring is that I’ve learned quite a bit along the way. Today, I’m linking up with the gracious Emily P. Freeman along with writers across the web to share what I learned this spring. Be sure to go on over to Emily’s post to learn all kinds of things from the silly to the serious and everything in between. I’d love to hear what you’ve been learning in the comments!

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The Great British Bake Off cures many ails.

It has been an extremely busy, overwhelming spring, and I have struggled to smile some days due to the stress I’ve felt. However, The Great British Bake Off always makes me smile, and I sneak in an episode whenever I can off Netflix (I think you can watch it online on PBS too!). Unlike some American food shows, the sweet natured, talented contestants cheer for each other which is quite refreshing. I’ve also learned a lot about baking while watching them create amazing things I’ve never heard of. Plus the British accents! Need I say more??

It’s the little things  – the “administrative tasks of life” involved moving that drive me the most crazy.

Everyone I’ve talked to about moving says the same thing — it’s a ton of work. No matter who you are, where you are, or what your situation. For me, this latest move taught me how much I dread all the little details — changing pharmacies, finding dry cleaners, dentists, doctors, and changing drivers licenses — that come along with the boxes.

Montgomery, Alabama is on a river and seeped in history!

Some family members are moving to Montgomery, and I traveled there with some others to help them get settled. On our off day, we toured downtown Montgomery, and I was pleasantly surprised at how quaint and historic it is! I look forward to visiting again.

Turning frustrating moments into teaching or learning moments helps prevent hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

I think I will continue to learn this one — and for me, it mainly has applied to marriage. An example — my sweet husband goes grocery shopping to help me out in the midst of all the crazy, and he buys the wrong brand or kind of something on the list. My instinct is to be frustrated, but I’ve learned it’s much, much better to use those moments as a teaching moment instead…I realized this when the situation was flipped and I appreciated someone teaching me instead of getting upset.

Noise canceling head phones help cancel my flying anxiety plus help me study on the go.

With all the recent travel, I’ve put my $30 noise cancelling headphones to the test more days than not! I’ve learned that I’m much more relaxed if I can’t hear the noises the plane makes and they are also great to help me focus, no matter how noisy my surroundings, when reading the hundreds of pages grad school requires.

LetGo is a great app for finding gently used things!

While helping my family members move, we were searching for second hand items to furnish their new home — and although Craig’s List can still be helpful, I used LetGo for the first time (I remembered it because of their funny, creative commercials!). I found it to be user friendly and much safer than Craig’s List (LetGo makes you link your profile to your google or Facebook account).

The One Line a Day journal is renewing my love for journaling!

I learned about this journal from Emily P. Freeman during a Facebook live she did for hope*writers members. I faithfully journaled every.single.day for almost ten years, but in the past four years, I’ve struggled to fit it in — mostly because I’m long-winded when it comes to documenting my day. That’s why this one line a day journal is a perfect fit! Just one line a day every day for five years and you have a memory book — priceless! (It’s also a great gift! I gave one to my sister so she could document her first five years of marriage!)

Beauty Counter is my new favorite skincare and makeup company.

In the past couple of years, I’ve been paying more attention to the products I buy in regards to their ingredient list — from laundry detergent to cleaners to dryer sheets, I’ve tried to switch to more natural products. That’s why when I heard about Beauty Counter I knew I wanted to try it out. Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs everything we put on it — and some of the chemicals in the beauty industry are not what I want soaking into my body. So I’ve switched my facial cleanser, my moisturizers, and some of my makeup over. It is expensive, so I’m being selective on what I switch over, but I’m loving everything so far! My favorite products are their facial oils and this night cream. (Also — I never buy unless there is a sale! That way some of my products are free 🙂 )

My mental health is better without social media.

I’ve been off social for almost a month now (with a brief return to look at and post pictures for my sister’s wedding – priorities! 🙂 ), and I find myself less anxious and much more focused. As much as I miss cute pictures and updates, I’m going to stay off for the indefinite future.

Square dancing is really fun!

My sister had a “caller” at her barn wedding who taught us square dancing! It was a creative idea that involved all the guests whether you were participating or watching while creating a ton of laughter and a festive environment. Apparently there are square dancing clubs around the country, and I’m now trying to convince my husband to join one 😉 Anyone dance regularly? I have always thought it would be a fun way to get some exercise and learn a new skill!

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What have you learned this spring? I would love to hear in the comments!

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Previous What I Learned Posts:

October 2015

November 2015

The Year of 2015

January 2016

February 2016

March 2016

April 2016

May 2016

Summer 2016

September 2016

October 2016

November 2016

December 2016/January 2017

February 2017

–>Linking up with Emily P. Freeman — check out her post to see what others across the internet learned this month!<–