2/23
Happy February! The ground outside is currently covered in the faintest layer of snow as I write this, but you know my mind is already on spring. Keeping my sights set on flowers starting to bloom and the scent of spring is the only way I can push through these months of cold and ward off any seasonal depression. I plan to make February all about self-care — it’s the month of love after all! I’m going to put my energy and intention into paying special care to both myself and those I hold dear to me. More on that in a minute..
I mentioned last month that I have some changes I’m planning to make around the home this year, and I’m excited to say I feel like I’ve made some great headway! The bedroom is really shaping up by changing out the nightstands and workspace. It already feels so much lighter and fresh. I’m also over the moon with the addition of my pillows to the sofa… and just wait until you see the changes in the dining room 👏🏻
I’m also really enjoying getting back into the kitchen lately. I have finally really pared back the “clutter” and feel like I have a great working station. I’m still obsessed with trying out new soup recipes – some of my favorites are from Half Baked Harvest’s website, and from the NYT Cooking page. I also picked up this cookbook the other day, and love the seasonal dinner menus. I’m definitely planning on making one start to finish this month.
What self-care means to me…
I’ve really been leaning into listening to my mind and body and what feels best lately – eating more intuitively to fuel myself, moving when and how it feels good, and setting myself up for success with how I start each day. Self-care doesn’t always mean a spa day and a manicure (though those things don’t hurt either!).. sometimes it can mean making sure I am really looking after my mental and physical health.
My 6am wake up time and mornings spent meditating, journaling and reading are all things that really fuel my creativity and overall well-being. Sure, there are mornings that I want to be lazy and sleep in, but I know that getting up and starting my day on the right foot is actual self-care that will last.
I also recently realized how much spending time with the right people fills my cup. I am so thankful to be surrounded my so many amazing people that truly support and uplift me, and scheduling time to return the love I feel is an instant mood boost. As an introvert, I used to find social plans draining – but reframing them into a way of being able to show care to those who are always there for me, led to a complete shift in how I view those interactions. I never thought I’d see the day when social plans were a form of self-care for me, but here we are!
Looking forward to this month —
As I mentioned above, I really want to fill this month with things that uplift me. Lots of dinners with girlfriends, puzzle nights at home, trying out new recipes, as well as living more intentionally in the moment. I’m also downsizing my wardrobe and household items during the days when it’s too cold to get outside. Decluttering and donating feels so nice.
Around the house, I’d like to spend more time playing around with new floral arrangements (I love how they can change the entire mood of a room) and also make a couple of small tweaks to the kitchen area. I’m waiting on a few things before I can move forward with finalizing the living and bedroom, so February is a month of little things that will make a subtle impact towards my overall vision.
Wishing you all a beautiful month ahead! x