I have made the cleaning lists. Most of which have been executed beautifully. This busy bee mama is buzzing left and right. I can feel the burn out creeping in. Between lack of sleep and overwhelming projects in front of me, I need to slow down. Close the planner for a moment. Take off your shoes and step into the cool, green grass with a HOT (not tepid, reheat it mama) cup of coffee. Let the sun warm your face or the grey cloudy breeze give you goosebumps. It’s time to celebrate the spring in a slow and, of course, eco-friendly way.
Slow living in the springtime
I am itching to shed the skin of the winter and dive into all the things for spring. Gardening, landscaping, playgrounds, nature adventures, dresses and windows down with the breeze in my hair. However, I need to recall the winter one last time. How I took it very easy and was very gentle with myself. I didn’t overschedule. We made outdoor time easy and daily. We nourished ourselves with foods of the season and baked OFTEN. Books were read and piled up around the house. We knew what was coming in the day ahead. Our rhythms were consistent, somewhat. Simultaneously, they were simple and flexible. Let me take a breath to remember that time and hold onto the idea of weaving that gracefully into the spring.
Eco friendly ideas & activities for spring
Besides simply enjoying longer days and better weather, there are so many ways to celebrate the spring in an eco-friendly way. Even without going to all the stores, buying all the disposable things, and bustling about like I have been for the last week.
- Nature walks– Simple and obvious but we all still need to be reminded to go outside more frequently. There are still days where we don’t make it outside and others where the house is a wreck because we haven’t spent any time inside.
- Petting zoo– Or local farm. Most are very family friendly and a wonderful way to learn something whilst also supporting your local community.
- Library or little free library- An every season activity. Our local library is always doing events, no matter the season so it can be a fun group activity and outing.
- Naturally dye eggs with food– What a fun way to celebrate the spring in an eco friendly way! Especially for celebrating Easter without voting with your dollar for more disposable goods. Less plastic waste = less pollution literally everywhere on the planet.
- Learn the meaning of Easter– Where all the random traditions came from. How it all pertains to Jesus and God. How it relates to the seasons of our earth. I’ve been very interested in learning about where our American ‘traditions’ came from, particularly holidays. Easter is an incredibly miraculous time, from the rebirth of the earth to the resurrection itself. What a fortuitous time!
- Pantry clean and food bank– I actively teach my son, and myself, that there are people who have MUCH less than we do. I don’t make it terribly tragic. However, I do explain it to him in terms he can understand and comprehend at 4 years old. So, we do a pantry clean (and toy clean) and bring those to the food bank.
- Plant something new- Spring is a time of rebirth and growth. What perfect and eco friendly way to celebrate the spring by planting something in your own or your yard. Whether it is herbs, flowers, or even regrowing from kitchen scraps, this is a lovely opportunity to teach our children about where our food comes from, the earth, and not to mention, patience and responsibility. Two very helpful character-building traits that is fun to do alongside your little one.
Slowly welcoming the spring
Overall, I want to encourage you, and myself really, to ease into spring. To gently mark off the tasks on my list. Gracefully put away the sweaters, but don’t get the sandals and bathing suits yet. I will focus on one thing at a time and not burn out from cleaning all the things.
Sprouts may be popping out of the dirt, but the harvest isn’t just yet.
Easter and spring are easily some of my favorite times of the year. Along with autumn, the changing of the seasons is so refreshing.
Let’s enjoy it and not be overwhelmed with it together, friend.
In gratitude,
Tayler
