Edith Carlisle

Welcome May, welcome spring. Revel in the delight of air that truly smells fresh and full of promise.

This month holds a promise to show up, not just for others, but also for ourselves. This month holds so much power and potential of bringing new life to something:

• launching a creative project
• revisiting a habit that needs upgrading
• getting back to a joy that you’ve forgotten or not made time for

Creativity and nature

May’s personal development theme is nature connection. We’re finally able to get outside and while maybe it feels fresh, crisp, and even a little chilly, we are ready to enjoy the outdoors. This month, what can you do to get out and connect with nature? A simple, but intentional family walk in nature, or if you’ve got older kids, a scavenger hunt could do the trick. How about an outdoor picnic? Or even a camping adventure?

Putting my hands in the earth, or toes in the sand, has always felt restorative and healing to me. In that spirit, whether you have a massive plot of land or a tiny windowsill, I invite you to find a way to bring more greenery into your life. I’m not a great gardener (or keeper of indoor plants), but there’s something about the thrill of seeing seeds sprout or plants start to grow a new leaf that is undeniable. And, of course, nothing beats a homegrown carrot or the convenience of snipping herbs from a windowsill planter.

Habits

In the spirit of using this month’s energy to reset and restore, are there any habits or sticky situations in your family that are no longer working? Can bedtime be tweaked to be just a little bit more focused on connection? How about the way you start your day? Is there anything you might be able to do differently or more intentionally to nudge you towards living in greater alignment? Systems that work and reflect your values and ideals can be a way of showing your love and even practicing self-care.

It’s a small example, but a few months ago, I felt like I was closed off and isolated from the world, so something I decided to change is that when I see someone – anyone – I will look them in the eye, smile and say “hi”. Not only did I feel like I was isolated, but I wanted to set a better example for my son – I wanted him to see the world as open and friendly, not closed off and suspicious. So, I started doing this eye contact/smile/greeting everywhere – at work, while on a walk, while at the grocery store. It felt a little weird, and honestly it still feels strange sometimes, but the shift in my mental state is hard to describe: I feel more connected to my community and a greater sense of belonging, all from something that takes one second to do.

What can you put into motion using this month’s energy of change and possibility that will have an impact on your life – profound or small – by the end of the month?

Returning to joy

For me, my most important goal this month is: I treat my body and mind with respect. This means moving, nourishing, and resting – not because I have to, but because I deserve it. It means checking in with my body and really listening to what it needs. It also means examining my day or week with a mindset of eliminating things that are unnecessary and building in recovery, structure, or automation. The goal is to live richly, with presence, and by making active choices. It’s easy to fill our schedules with other people’s priorities or things that in the moment don’t seem to matter but when we step back contribute to exhaustion, burnout, and generally not living in alignment with our intentions and values. With the clarity that comes with turning over a new leaf for spring, this season is a great chance to examine what’s really working – and aligned – in our lives, and what isn’t. Take this as your opportunity – and your reminder – to choose joy whenever you can.

If you’re looking for an idea, or even just inspiration to get started, I loved reading this article with simple, practical tips about cultivating joy. Really, it’s not complicated – find connection, move, and be curious.

Honouring yourself

So, given all of that, the mantra I’ve set for this month is: I honour what feels good, what feels true, what feels like me. Does this resonate with you? How will you honour these feelings this month?