March is the beginning of spring, and, as John Denver sings, “Sunshine, on my shoulders, makes me happy.” I’m sitting here looking out the window by my desk, the sun is shining, the sky is blue with a few wispy white clouds, wind is blowing, trees and bushes are leafing out, the grass is turning green, and it does not seem possible that we are in the midst of social distancing, self-quarantine, and avoiding public places. These are incongruous events it seems to me. It doesn’t seem possible that the optimism and energy that comes with the spring sun shining and the distancing of ourselves from others to avoid contracting a harmful, possibly life-threatening virus could work or exist at the same time. But it does, and that is the reality we are in right now.
In everything we can find something for which to be grateful. Recently, I saw a suggestion for a blog post offering the idea of writing a list of things that made you happy during the month. My list includes what made me happy this month which coincides with all that I am grateful for as well. Here is my list of who and what made me happy the month of March.
Celebrating Family in March
- Every day that I saw my children and family.
- Our sweet grandson, Everette, who turned 18 months old on March 17.
- Celebrating our daughter’s March 3 birthday with all of the family.
- Dinner and games with my daughter and her friend.
- Every day I was able to spend playing with Everette.
- Hearing Everette pronounce words he is learning (love his version of “meow, meow” – no way to write it as he says it – it just makes me smile every time).
- My niece and the tiktok videos she has been sending.
- Knowing my family members are safe and healthy while also using caution and wisdom in these crazy times.
Going Places (Early On)
- Going to Jazzercise 7 times in the first two weeks of March.
- Taking three yoga classes with my daughter early in March.
- Keeping my dentist appointment on March 3.
- Attending three Razorback baseball games with my husband early in March.
- Going to my hair cut appointment.
- Getting all our tax documents and paperwork finished and taken to the accountant.
Friends
- My friend (a nurse) who had a birthday March 18.
- My friend who sent me the kindness prayer.
- Having spring break – not so much for me, but for my teacher friends who have had a rough month transitioning to on-line instruction and working with their own children’s educational experience.
- My friends who have seniors graduating this year either from college or high school (or both), and who are trying to make it the best time they can for those seniors.
- Knowing friends are safe and healthy while also using caution and wisdom in these crazy times.
March and Nature
- The beautiful daffodils, crocus, and forsythia bushes blooming in our yard.
- The warm days we had so we could get outside.
- Sunshine.
- Seeing my favorite trees – redbuds – blooming this last week of March.
General
- Having plenty of food, drink, toiletries, and cleaning products.
- Reading two very good books and listening to two good audiobooks.
- Having access to Jazzercise on demand (and doing the workouts) and yoga videos.
- Completing two puzzles.
- Writing and publishing 2 blog posts this month.
- Our home.
- Lots and lots of books to read.
As We Move On From March
I must pause and give a huge thank you and salute to the doctors, nurses, all hospital workers, first responders, everyone working the front lines to help those impacted by COVID-19. As we continue to weather this COVID-19 virus storm, stay safe, use wisdom in social distancing, and support each other as well as local businesses the best way you can.
Likewise, be happy, be safe, be mindful of responsibility to yourself and others as we look forward to “normalcy” again.
And, just one last thing…who doesn’t love a little boy with his panda?? That should make you smile.
I would truly like to know, what made you happy this month of March?