Category: Happiness

Gratitude, Happiness, Self Love

Five things I learned in 2020

Amanda

To put it plainly, 2020 was ROUGH.

If someone had asked me 365 days ago what 2020 would look like, I never would have predicted this. I never dreamed that I would live through a pandemic that would require physical distance in order to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. I never dreamed I’d see memes of dogs demonstrating how to properly wear a face covering. It all just seems so bizarre, looking through the lens of early 2019.

COVID forced us to take a good, hard, look at ourselves, and our world. It challenged us to evaluate our lifestyles and navigate what has become our “new normal.” Despite the trauma, uncertainty, and despair of this year, I was incredibly blessed with so many lessons learned. If I were to write about ALL of the lessons 2020 taught me we’d be here for ages, but there were a few that were particularly impactful for me.

1. I learned not to take my job for granted.

I learned early on that life is unpredictable, so I’ve always tried to take nothing, especially people, for granted. Like many others this year, I experienced loss. However I can find comfort in knowing that I did my best to express my appreciation, adoration, and love for them whenever and however I could. But I failed to expand this practice beyond family and friends until this year.

If you’ve followed me from the beginning, you know that this blog was launched as a way to help me navigate life being laid off as a result of COVID.

I never thought I would be laid off. I worked hard and supported many departments, but in this case, it didn’t matter.

I found myself relying on federal aid, and it was terrifying. I had just closed on a house and my savings had dwindled. I hadn’t solidified my new budget, but I knew that federal aid wouldn’t be enough to cover my expenses. Questions about the unknown began to flood my brain: How does unemployment work? Have I missed the filing deadline? What if I can’t afford to make my mortgage payments or to heat my home? What can I do to bring in some extra income that doesn’t require leaving the house?

I took a good, hard look at my indefinite financial reality and quickly learned the importance of maintaining and sticking to a budget, understanding my debt, how and where I could make adjustments to keep my finances in check, and more. I found ways to cut costs (i.e. I could take 5 trips to the local dump for less than half of one week’s garbage pickup, wild right?!), and accepted the superficial sacrifices I would have to make.

Gratitude for my job was top-of-mind when I first started, but over time I became complacent and took it, and my steady income, for granted. Thankfully, my lay-off was temporary and I was asked to return just a few weeks later, but the experience was a rude awakening and impactful lesson, and I realized how lucky I was. Regardless, COVID changed my perspective, and my attitude, when it comes to steady employment and how I manage my finances.

2. I learned to take time.

Between being laid off and subsequently working from home, I’ve had so much time this year to reflect. I miss traveling, going to a restaurants, hugging friends, visiting family, not wearing a mask, and countless other things that, until now, I also had taken for granted. I’ll never look at that kind of personal freedom the same way again.

I also never dreamed that I would have SO much time to myself! I will confess, at first it was a bit like a dream. I had all this time and space to myself, and no real obligations anymore since appointments and plans were cancelled. At times it did get lonely though, and that loneliness just crushes your soul. Thank goodness for Erin.

I took this time to practice just being in the moment. I was able to recognize and appreciated tiny moments of peace, familiar sounds, subtle beauty, video chats, and Erin snuggles. I became so thankful for these little moments that I began searching for them each day.

I took time to rediscover things that made my soul happy, like reading, writing, and walking. I wrote about them in a blog.

I took time to practice self care. I was gentle with myself as I struggled through my COVID-induced depression. I took a free, non-credit course about happiness at Yale. I found Facebook groups and Instagram accounts with the sole purpose of empowering, motivating, and supporting other women. I took time to find pieces of me that had gotten loss amongst the chaos that COVID brought to the world. Most importantly though, I took time to breathe deeply, and love so much it hurt.

3. I learned that I can overcome fear.

I was scared a lot this year. I was afraid of getting sick, or that those I loved would get sick. I was scared that my new homeownership adventure would be too much for me to handle. I was scared that Erin and I wouldn’t be a good fit. I was scared to start my own business. I was scared that working remotely would hinder my job performance. I was scared I wouldn’t make it through Sam’s, then Gordon’s passing. I was scared of letting others down, and letting myself down. I was scared that my mental, physical, and emotional health would suffer. I was just plain SCARED. And that sucked.

I’m proud to say that I didn’t let fear overtake me, and I was able to accomplish several things during such a trying year:

  1. I, and my family, are currently safe and healthy.
  2. I love my little home.
  3. Erin and I are a PERFECT match.
  4. I started a blog to explore my joy of writing.
  5. I started my own business; I’m now an Independent Consultant for a Direct Sales company and I LOVE it.
  6. I navigated telecommuting and managing a team virtually, and feel more productive than ever.
  7. I’m not letting myself, or anyone else down as long as I’m doing the best I can.

Don’t get me wrong, some things still scare the living daylight out of me. Some things will just take longer for me to work through, and that’s okay; 2021 is another year to tackle them.

4. I learned to let things go.

It’s taken me some time to embrace this one since I’ve always considered myself as a bit of a pack-rat. I’ve had this mentality that, “if there isn’t anything wrong with it, there’s no reason to get rid of it,” or “if so-and-so found out I didn’t keep this, they would be so disappointed.” I’ve begun asking myself, what good does that thinking do? What good comes out of hanging onto things, or even people, that no longer make you happy or help you grow? Why keep anything that causes you pain, discomfort, or stress every time you see it? Cluttered house. Cluttered mind. Cluttered house.

I needed a mindset shift: If it no longer served me, it was time to bless and release it from my life.

It was easy to start clearing out clothing that didn’t fit and objects I hadn’t touched in years, but items with an emotional element were more challenging. After much practice, I learned that any item that sparks a negative reaction, even if it once brought me joy or tugged at a happy memory, is something I no longer need in my life (thank you Marie Kondo and minimalist concepts). Since I started letting more go, I’m finding myself generally lighter, more at ease, and happier. See ya, negativity!

5. I learned to trust that I am right where I should be.

I know I’ve said this before, but I’m saying it again: I trust that the universe is there to guide me to exactly where I should be. From opting to travel abroad in 2019 instead of 2020, to adopting Erin right before COVID hit hard (and shelters closed to the public), things seemed to align at just the right time this year, which makes me hopeful for what’s to come in 2021.

This year was hard; I would be lying if I said I wasn’t happy to see it go. So, here’s to a new year of growth, learning, and adventuring. Cheers!

Gratitude, Happiness, Self Love

Tuesday Tip: Do more of what makes you happy

Amanda

May 26, 2020

Although I’ve been sharing motivational posts every Monday for the past several weeks, you may have noticed that I didn’t this week. Yesterday was Memorial Day, a day where we take time to honor, thank, and remember those who fought bravely and made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our freedom. I was also able to spend some much-needed time with my family.

I have to be honest, I felt a little guilty about not sharing one of my traditional Monday posts yesterday. However, I did not at all feel guilty about spending the time I would have spent writing, with my family taking advantage of the beautiful weather that the holiday weekend blessed us with. I was very happy, and realized how important it is that we all do more of what makes us happy, whenever we can. So this week, instead of a motivational Monday post, I’m substituting a Tuesday tip:

Do more of what makes you happy.

Please don’t misunderstand, writing for this blog makes me happy. I find much joy in sharing my thoughts and ideas with you, however I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to spend time with my family (which also makes me vastly happy). I don’t at all regret my decision, however I still felt a little guilty, so I worked to replace that guilt with gratitude toward the little experiences that happened over the weekend:

  • Taking morning walks with Erin.
  • Spending time and sharing meals with my family.
  • Watching birds; bluebirds, orioles, finches, cardinals, and more.
  • Drinking coffee on my parent’s porch.
  • Helping my mom plant her vegetable garden.
  • Remembering and being thankful for friends, past and present.
  • Catching up with my grandparents.
  • Watching more competitive baking shows (I told you I was addicted).
  • Curating content that inspires me.
  • Being mindful and grateful; being completely present while recognizing and understanding the importance of each fleeting moment.

I am so thankful for what this weekend offered me: happiness, love, family, support, comfort, gratitude, and more. It is so important for our well being to find happiness, to live happily, and to share in the happiness of others. Do more of what makes you happy; you won’t regret it.

Gratitude, Happiness, Motivation Monday

Motivation Monday: May 18, 2020

Amanda

“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” – Napoleon Hill

I feel that many of us expect great things of ourselves in order to have a sense of fulfillment. For some, it may be getting a degree from an ivy league school, a big promotion, or becoming a celebrity, for others it could be finding a cure for cancer, ending poverty, or winning a Nobel Prize. Each of these things means a something different to everyone, and it’s in no way wrong to want or strive for these things. It’s good to have goals, and if these are yours, I give you major kudos for working hard and following your dreams.

I’ve always felt that greatness doesn’t need to be a reflection of the money, titles, or popularity one has. Being great and doing great is so much more than that and I refuse to believe otherwise.

I’m confident that I will not find a cure for cancer or win a Nobel Prize, and that’s okay. To me, as long as I do my best in whatever it is I’m doing, big or small, I can be proud. And if I can make someone else’s life better or easier by going above and beyond what is expected of me, that’s when I know doing a small thing in a great way for another. That makes me feel great, too.

Work toward your goals and set out to accomplish what makes your life feel good and fulfilling, but don’t feel that doing great has to be big. Like Hill says, small things can be done in a great way, which can be just as powerful and meaningful to someone as the “big” stuff.

This week’s practice

This week, find one small thing and commit to doing it in a great way. Take a little extra time to review that report or add something extra your client isn’t expecting. Be exceptionally courteous to the cashier at the supermarket and thank them for their dedication to their work and commitment to helping others during the pandemic. Do the small things in a great way, and own it.

Happiness, Tips

Five ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in quarantine

Amanda

Mother’s Day is THIS Sunday! If you don’t tell or show your mom (or mother figure) you love her everyday already, make it a priority this Sunday.

I am truly blessed to have my mom. She is my rock, my biggest cheerleader, and my best friend. She has supported me through all the milestone’s I’ve reached, the heartbreaks I thought I’d never get through, and everything else I never knew I’d need her for. Her happiness is my happiness. I am forever thankful to the universe for letting her be mine.

Celebrating Mother’s Day in quarantine can prove a challenge for families with adult children who no longer live at home. Friends, this post is for you, and I hope it helps you celebrate Mother’s Day as best as you can. Here are five tips to celebrate Mother’s Day in quarantine.

1. Spend time with her

For some, the best gift you can give is your time. It’s free, but this particular gift could get a little tricky because of the quarantine and social distancing protocols. There are clever ways to get around this though: video calls, online gaming, or simply staying outside the window (with a mask, safety first!) is all it takes. If these social distancing-approved methods aren’t possible for you on Mother’s Day, consider scheduling a day later in the year to spend together, like a flower arranging or cooking class. Take advantage of every moment you have with her; you never know how many more you’ll have.

2. Give her something personalized

This one requires a little bit of planning, so it is not recommended for the sons and daughters who repetitiously wait until the last possible second to do anything to celebrate their mother on Mother’s Day.

It doesn’t have to be anything grand or expensive, but take the extra step to personalize and customize gifts if you can. Make a card instead of purchasing one, bake her cookies and make a special Mother’s Day cookie jar, have your family’s name engraved on a pillow, have a photo or her name printed on a special mug instead of settling for a generic one from the pharmacy gift aisle. You know that photo recreation trend that’s happening right now? If possible, do that! You can mail or ship your gift to her, or make a special front porch delivery while minding social distancing.

3. Take a trip together

Let me rephrase, take a virtual trip together. There are dozens of museums, aquariums, and theme parks from around the world offering virtual tours in light of the pandemic. Make a plan with your mother to take a virtual tour together from the comfort of your perspective homes. This list from Good Housekeeping is a great place to start!

4. Gift a subscription box she’ll love

Subscription boxes are great, and there are so many options out there for just about any budget. Whether your mother is interested in fitness, candles, food, or gardening, there are so many subscriptions to choose from. A quick Google search will yield plenty of options. I’d recommend checking out this curated list of subscription boxes from Harpers Bazaar first and go from there.

5. Tell her you love her, everyday

Okay, so this one isn’t just for Mother’s Day, but it’s still so important! Your mom literally gave you life, the least you can do is tell her you love her. Whether you do it over a phone call, text, email, flowers, card sent snail mail, it’s all good! Heck, stand outside her house and yell it loud enough for the neighbors to hear.

You can also say I love you by doing little acts of kindness; offer to pick up her groceries, take out the trash, help in the garden. Not only will you be spending time with her (see #1 above), but you will be showing her that you love her and setting an example for others.

Final Thoughts

To all who may have lost a mother, Mother’s Day can be especially hard. Please know that you are loved, and allow yourself to observe this holiday however you need to find peace.

I hope you all are able to celebrate Mother’s Day in a meaningful way. Happy Mother’s Day. Tell your mom you love her.

Happiness, Motivation Monday, Self Love

Motivation Monday: May 4, 2020

Amanda

Happy first Monday of May!

I don’t know about you, but April was stressful. Constant uncertainty, negativity, and anxiety feasts on your happiness and your soul; it has tremendous effect on your overall well-being. But this week will be different, because…

This is your week. Own it.

Even if you don’t believe it, your thoughts can make or break you and your outlook. It may not feel like it, but you are in control of your mindset and how you choose to accept things going on around you. Embrace your inner power and believe in your purpose. Show this week, this month, who’s boss 💪May the Fourth be with you!

(Confession: I’ve never seen any of the Star Wars movies, but I’m hoping to change that this month 😅)

This week’s practice

This week, I hope you take some time to experiment with power poses. Although the benefits of this exercise are still considered scientifically controversial, what harm would it do to pose confidently for a couple minutes a day? For me, power posing helps me channel my inner super-heroine. If you feel silly, maybe this exercise isn’t meant for you, and that’s okay! Not everything is a good fit for everyone.

If you do practice any power poses this week, leave me a comment and let me know how it goes!

Happiness, Health, Mindfulness, Self Love

Why I started walking and how I get the most out of it

Amanda

Mornings have always been hard for me. Quite frankly, I’m a grouch until 10-11 a.m. regardless of the number of hours I slept. “Happy” is the last thing I would consider myself feeling, and anyone who knows me would agree (although they might just be scared to say otherwise for fear of my inner grouch rearing it’s ugly head).

Unfortunately, my adopted pup, Erin, doesn’t understand this.

Dog looking upside down and backwards at the camera.

She wakes me every morning no later than 6 a.m. to start our day. Granted, 6 a.m. probably doesn’t seem that bad, but for someone who struggles with mornings as much as I do, it makes my heart hurt.

I tried snoozing my energetic, furry alarm but resistance was futile.

Coffee helps to take the edge off, but it isn’t quite enough to satisfy my inner grouch. I didn’t like how I felt; I knew I had to turn my frown upside down as quickly as possible.

Why walk?

Erin loves going for walks, as many dogs do, so I started taking her on 30-minute walks around our neighborhood every morning to try to make up for my terrible attitude. Erin was able to explore and release some of her pent up, overnight energy, and I noticed that I was reaping benefits of my own.

Walking is good for your health. Thirty minutes of brisk walking daily can improve and maintain your overall health, including improving cardiovascular fitness, enhancing muscle strength, and reducing excess body fat. Additionally, walking can help ease stress, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood (a.k.a. happiness!). I’ve experienced this first-hand. After walking regularly for a couple weeks, I noticed that I wasn’t as grouchy in the morning, generally happier throughout the day, and actually looked forward to our walks. I even shed a few pounds! Note: Please consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.

Walking is free. Since being unemployed, I’ve prioritized low-cost alternatives to things that I would consider purchasing if my situation was different; no gym memberships or streaming services for me!

Walking doesn’t require any special knowledge or training, and very little equipment; a decent pair of walking shoes or sneakers will do the trick!

Walking is flexible. Walking is a weight-bearing but low impact exercise which can be done for any length of time and at any pace. This makes walking an appropriate form of exercise for almost anyone regardless of fitness level. You can walk whenever and almost wherever you’d like (no trespassing, please), which makes it easy to integrate into a busy schedule. You can dedicate a set amount of time or distance to walk, like I do in the morning, or easily add extra steps into your day by taking the stairs instead of an elevator, parking farther away from a store’s entrance, or walking around the house while on the phone or brushing your teeth. However, if you are concerned or have a medical condition, PLEASE consult with your doctor before beginning any other exercise regimen.

Walking is a social distancing-approved activity. Normally, you could walk with friends or with a walking group, but social distancing has significantly limited our ability to do so. However, walking can be done individually, and you may find that you actually enjoy the time to yourself. I enjoy the quiet and use that time to outline my goals for the day, practice mindfulness, and enjoy time with my pup. If you can’t stand the idea of walking alone, consider popping in ear buds with your favorite playlist or call a friend to chat.

Empty walking path at Pingvellir National Park, Iceland.

Obviously, walking has its benefits. I’d encourage you to experiment with walking and see if it helps to elevate your happiness as it has mine. It’s become something I enjoy so much that I’ve added an evening walk to my routine as well!

Five tips for happier steps

To build upon the inherent happiness-boosting properties of walking, I’d recommend the following:

  1. Make walking a routine. Routines help us stay focused and structured, which aids in stress reduction and ultimately improves our happiness. The beauty of walking is that you can choose how and when it fits into your schedule, but adding it to your routine will take out any stressful guesswork or planning. Every morning, after Erin is fed and I have my first cup of coffee, we’re headed out the door for our walk. I don’t need to think about it, I don’t procrastinate, it just happens. Less stress = more happiness.
  2. Go green. Head outside and fill your lungs with fresh air and soak in all of the Vitamin D you can. I try to stay away from heavy traffic and busy streets when I walk since those areas are loud, distracting, and take away from the experience and relaxation I look forward to. I’d recommend not only staying away from congested areas, but walking where you actually see green, like parks, open fields, or hiking trails. These areas will help you feel happier and less anxious overall, and shift your energy to a more positive one. More peace = more happiness.
  3. Practice mindfulness. Use your walk to let your body and mind recharge, whether that means you plan out your day, practice meditation, or simply do your best to clear your mind for a few minutes. Leave your to-do list and stresses of the day at home, they will be there when you return. Appreciate and be thankful for moment you are in. More gratitude = more happiness.
  4. Unplug. I recommend using your walk as an opportunity to take a break. I know it’s easy to pull out your phone and scroll through social media, but please, keep it out of sight during your walk. Not only is your phone distracting, it can be downright dangerous if you aren’t paying attention to where you’re walking. In fact, cell phones may inhibit your brain from recharging effectively. Take a break, relax, and be happy. Fewer distractions = more happiness.
  5. Bring a friend (two or four-legged). Although we might not be able to do this now, I would recommend bringing a friend, whether human or animal, to accompany you on your walks. It’ll not only add an element of fun to your walk, but it will hold you accountable. The lack of accountability was one of my biggest obstacles to exercising in general. I always had an excuse; I was too tired, didn’t have enough time, didn’t want to miss this television show, the list goes on. If it wasn’t for my original commitment to Erin, to be a better version of myself for her, I would not have started walking consistently. I wouldn’t have experienced the benefits of walking regularly, nor realized how much I enjoy that time in general. Greater success = more happiness.
Dog walking on a leash.

Whether you are in great shape or just starting out, walking has the potential to help you, body and mind. I hope you consider these tips helpful and encouraging.

Do you walk (or run) regularly? What are your tips for happier, more successful sessions?

Gratitude, Happiness, Motivation Monday, Self Love

Motivation Monday: April 27, 2020

Amanda

How about a little love for this Monday?! Karen Clodfelder has a heartwarming thought about love:

As we grow older together, as we continue to change with age, there is one thing that will never change…I will always keep falling in love with you.

Don’t we all want someone who makes it easy to fall in love with again and again, and have the same in return? That’s what we’re striving for, right? Not for all of us. I think, now more than ever, we need to remind ourselves that it’s just as important to continue falling in love with ourselves too. Through challenges, change, growth, and beyond, we aren’t the same person we were two, ten, or twenty years ago. Our principles and experiences make us genuinely unique, and we deserve to be loved by ourselves unconditionally.

This week’s practice

This week, I hope you celebrate yourself. Spend a few minutes every day recognizing and acknowledging how extraordinary you are. You’ve changed, triumphed, witnessed, and accomplished so much already; you deserve so much self-respect. Give your insecurities and inner critic a break, indefinitely.

book review, Happiness, Mindfulness, Self Love

How I learned everything doesn’t always happen for a reason

Amanda

I like reading. I take joy in experiencing the words come to life as my mind wanders to another place and time. I revel in the sense of peace and relaxation that reading brings to me, so I decided on New Year’s 2019 to make reading a priority and resolved to read at least one book every month.

I compiled a list of works I wanted to read, from fiction classics, to self-help, non-fiction, and beyond, and created a Goodreads account to track my progress. I’m happy (and proud) to say that I kept that resolution (I know, right?!), and plan to continue reading at least one book a month (but hopefully more) for 2020. If you’d like to see what I’m currently reading, find me on Goodreads or scroll down to the bottom of this website.

Earlier this month I finished Girl, Wash Your Face, by Rachel Hollis. I was captivated by her storytelling and admired how vulnerable she was in her writing. She invited readers into her world as friends. Her fun, conversational, tone and raw exposure made her relatable, which kept bringing me back for more.

Rachel based each chapter in her book on a lie women have either told themselves or have been told by others. She shared what she learned through her own real-life experiences and offered advice and techniques to help her readers navigate similar situations. It was enlightening; I learned a lot about myself and the lies I believed while reading it. It took me only two days to finish, cover to cover.

There was one quote in particular that struck a chord with me. In the final pages of chapter 15, Hollis says,

“I don’t believe everything happens for a specific reason, but I do believe it’s possible to find purpose – event in the absence of explanation.” – Rachel Hollis

Throughout my life, I have consistently (and maybe convincingly) told myself that everything I experience happens for a reason. When I was laid off, I told myself that it happened for a reason, otherwise it wouldn’t have happened at all. After reading this quote though, I feel that maybe being laid off and self-quarantining didn’t happen for a specific reason, but it encouraged me to take the time to find my purpose.

I’ve accepted that I won’t discover my purpose overnight. Maybe I would live a more enriching life if I knew, but I am doing my best to keep my heart open and mind clear until I do. Isn’t it interesting how a single sentence can have such impact?

Have you recently read any books that got you thinking, like Rachel’s book did for me?

*Special thank you to Anjali from Blogger’s Bookshelf for this post’s cover photo. Check our her post reviewing Girl, Wash Your Face.

Gratitude, Happiness, Mindfulness, Self Love

How an earring taught me to take my own advice

Amanda

I bought a pair of earrings when I was in Reykjavík, Iceland last November from the Rammagerdin gift shop inside Perlan. I loved the contrast between the cool silver hoop and the raw lava rock, and how it reflected Iceland’s landscape. I thought the accessory was sweet, delicate, and it totally complemented my sense of style. There was no question, I had to have them.

I wore them as often as I could until the inevitable happened, I lost one (I bet this isn’t the first time you’ve heard that, and I can almost guarantee that it won’t be the last).

I was distraught. I retraced my steps. I called the offices and businesses I visited that day hoping that someone might have found it and turned it in. I combed through receipts from my time in Reykjavík looking for a clue to find another pair. I looked online for another set to purchase. Every effort came up short.

As I put the lone survivor in my jewelry cabinet I tried to accept that I wouldn’t find its partner and wrestled with the idea of not wearing the set again. I thought about my Motivation Monday post from earlier this week and what I loved about the accessory. Then it hit me: It wasn’t the earrings themselves that I loved.

I loved the earrings because of how they made me feel and how they reminded me of how special my trip was.

Those earrings represented an extraordinary trip with my mother, grandmother, and family friend. We laughed, got lost, and enjoyed each others’ company as we experienced the wonders of Iceland (and Ireland) together. Thinking about the experiences we had, the people we met, and (of course) the food we ate brought me happiness, and every time I wore those earrings those feelings returned.

This photo was taken at Blarney Castle in Ireland, another stop on our trip together.

I realized that I didn’t need to have a pair of earrings to remind myself of the trip and continue feeling that happiness. I decided to take my own advice and redirect my energy into something creative and productive.

Instead of obsessing that I no longer had a pair of earrings to wear, I added a chain to the remaining earring and made it into a necklace.

It still reminds me of my travels and gives me the same feelings of excitement and happiness I had when it was an earring. It still represents Iceland, I can still wear it as often as I’d like, it still complements my style, and I still love it. Let’s just hope I don’t lose this, too!

Happiness, Mindfulness, Self Love

Five ways to celebrate Easter in quarantine

Amanda

Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE holidays. I look froward to just about every one for its own reason. Well, Halloween not so much because I’m a fraidy-cat, but I do my best.

I won’t be gathering with my family to celebrate Easter due to the quarantine, so I know first-hand how hard it is to look forward to the holiday. However, I’ve found ways to include some of my family’s Easter traditions at my home to help keep my spirits up. Here are five ways to lift your Easter spirit:

1. Decorate

By far, the quickest and easiest way to get me into the spirit for any holiday is by decorating, and my favorite Easter decoration is the Easter Tree. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve had several decorated Easter trees, in addition to my other decor, scattered around my house for nearly three weeks now.

Growing up, my family and I would find a bare tree limb (no more than three feet long), stick it base-first into a 5-gallon bucket, and decorate it with ornaments, ribbon, or whatever we had available. Now, the creative possibilities are endless! Check out these 25 DIY Easter Tree Ideas from Country Living and you’ll see what I mean.

Don’t be afraid to do a simple Google search to find hundreds, if not thousands, of other creative and homemade decor ideas, too!

2. Color Easter eggs

Coloring Easter eggs has always been one of my favorite Easter traditions. It taught me a lot about the beauty of patience; I still struggle waiting for the eggs to sit in the color cups long enough to embody that rich color. It’s a fun activity at any age and offers a creative outlet which can be especially helpful in isolation.

Egg dying kits are typically available at your local grocery store, but if you can’t or weren’t able to pick up a kit, McCormick has a great web page dedicated to all things Easter egg. You could also use markers, crayons, or paper to create your egg-cellent masterpieces.

3. Dress up

Just because you don’t have anywhere to go, doesn’t mean you can’t dress in your Sunday best, right? Pick something out of your closet that makes you feel great, and wear it around the house. Your mood will improve and you’ll feel more confident; who doesn’t want more of that in their life? Take it up a notch and do your hair and makeup too. Show yourself a little self love and pamper yourself a bit; you deserve it! In fact, have the whole family get dressed up and have an Easter parade through your living room!

4. Watch an Easter movie

Yes, an Easter movie. Christmas movies, and even Halloween movies outnumber Easter movies by far, but there are still a few that are sure to please. My personal favorites are The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town (1977) and Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971) (I’m a sucker for family-friendly movies in this style), but if you’re looking for something a bit more modern or religious, check out Oprah’s 25 Best Easter Movies to Keep the Entire Family Entertained for inspiration.

“The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town,” 1977
“Here Comes Peter Cottontail,” 1971

5. Have family dinner, virtually

Technology has gifted us with more digital avenues to connect with people than ever before. Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangout, Facebook Live, and House Party, and Zoom are just a few video platforms available for free. Find a platform that works for your family and friends (make sure you all have an account if it is needed), set a time, and meet up for dinner! Chat, laugh, and play games, just like you would in person.

Despite the quarantine, social distancing, and overall trauma the world is currently facing, we still have much to be grateful for. After you decorate, color eggs, or watch an Easter movie, I hope you find time to meditate on this holiday, and find gratitude in whatever circumstance you might be facing. For me, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ, the importance of family, and the welcoming of bright colors and warmer weather. Especially now, I also feel that Easter represents positivity, change, and strength for the months ahead.

How will you be celebrating this year?

Happy Easter, my friends 🐰