The First of the Month

Early this morning I was going through my planner, marveling at how the days seemingly fly by. The words, "number your days, came to mind. I looked up the scripture:

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 50:12,

I love beginnings. The first of the month is a new beginning, a reset for me. I have 7 rituals I practice at the beginning of each month.

During a conversation with an old friend this week, we talked about a shared experience we had that, in hindsight, was riddled with terrible situations; experiences our younger selves didn't, or couldn't question. I left the conversation wondering if I had wasted all those years, all that time. I quickly realized no, it wasn't all bad; I needed the lessons I learned to become who I am today.

The older I get the more conscious I am of my time, and how it's spent.

Planning is key for me because it's so easy for time to get away from me. The way my mind is set up, I have a tendency to drift and procrastinate. Planning anchors me.

Nowadays I want to make sure every day matters. A couple of weeks ago I decided to join my family on vacation. I haven't traveled with them since 2020. I originally said I was too busy to go, but then I remembered I would never be able to get back this time with them, and they are my first priority. We have a tendency to put off what we want to do, thinking we'll have time on the back end. That is great advice for the big picture, however, we must not be so rigid that we miss moments--large and small--that are more important than the great plan we created.

So I PLANNED to spend my time with my family; I say spend because time is a form of currency. I asked their parents not to tell my grandchildren I was coming and the look on their faces when they realized I was traveling with them--priceless! I am writing this from our villa overlooking the water.

Last week I shared that each season brings its own gift. Spring is about renewal, rebirth, creativity, and planning. This week in addition to personal self-care, (relaxing in a balmy climate--activities I'm sure will boost my creativity and initiate some good ideas), I'm adding practical self-care. Below are two suggestions you can integrate into this month:

Reset Your Planner

The first thing I attend to is my planner. It's my guide. As I mentioned numbering my days is key for me. For one, it makes me conscious of how I am spending my time. My paper planner (I prefer primarily using pen and paper as opposed to digital), makes me conscious of how I am actually spending my time versus, what I think I'm doing with my time.

When I look at my paper planner and see in black and white that I've only completed a few or sometimes, none of the tasks I'd planned to do, I can see that I am not numbering my days wisely, potentially sabotaging myself. I start the month by clearing out old notes and checking where I am with my goals. Then I add clear action steps to any I have not completed.

Spring Cleaning:

Spring is the time traditionally set aside for "Spring Cleaning|. Swirling around us are tips and resources for cleaning and organizing our homes. However, clearing, cleaning, and organizing your space is applicable for any season! It's the time when we clear out the energy of Winter and prepare for the refreshing winds of Spring! Look out for my new ebook, 'Room to Bloom: Creating a Home That Nourishes You', later this month. It's filled with 14 simple ways to create an environment that FEEDS you; setting yourself up for personal and professional success. Start small: clear your nightstand, under your bathroom sink, the backseat, or the trunk of your car. You will be amazed at the energetic shift and lift even that small action provides.

Check out 7 rituals to start of the month for more of my monthly must-dos.

Right now, this first week I'm specifically focusing on what's most important to me--family, and my well-being; everything else can wait.

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Last week I joined the A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) image trend going around. I was fascinated with the results. In my opinion, it provided me with snapshots of myself at varying stages of my life. I was especially surprised when I realized the black and white photo below captured my confused and fearful early 20s/young mother self perfectly. Overall, I love ALL the women I see; they are all pieces of me. I needed all of them to become the woman I am today.

For those interested, I used the Lensa app.

Curious: Are you curious about getting your images? Would you do it?

Soundtrack: Pieces of Me by Ledisi

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I AM…

A Brooklyn Peach. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, now residing in "a city set in a forest," Atlanta, GA. I love warm chocolate chip cookies, funk music, documentaries, memoirs, and Romans 12:1-2. I love talking about pop culture, women in the Bible, homemaking, healthy living, grandmothering, reading, and rituals! The best part is when I get to share how it all blends together for good.

Have a beautiful week! Don't let anyone take your joy, and remember to number your days!

Ki...