Ta-Das, Not To-Dos: A Gentle Start to Spring
Tales from the Oak Table 13/52 - From survival mode to seasonal joy!
This week, time has vanished, but sadly, not the to-do list. I’ve been floating through a haze of brain fog, headaches, and those niggly aches and pains that make everything feel just that little bit harder. The essentials got done. People were fed (mostly on time), clothes were washed, and a few work bits happened… though I can’t quite remember doing them.
Productivity levels? Questionable.
Survival mode? Activated.
How’s your week been? Equally foggy or slightly more productive?
But instead of dwelling on what didn’t get done, I’m trying to reframe things. My husband reminded me of something this week… We could reframe our way of looking at productivity by measuring our days with ta-das rather than to-dos.
So, let’s count the ta-das:
I still managed to bake, which is more than just a household chore, it is grounding for me. Something is soothing about mixing, kneading, and filling the house with the smell of something warm and comforting. It was a small act, but one that made the days feel a little less lost.
And then, the moment that truly stopped me in my tracks… I sat down during the day (a rarity), propped my leg up with an ice pack, and watched Gardener’s World while the kids were at school. I never do this. Ever. But it was bliss. (Minus the knee pain.) A pause, but one my body was craving.
Sometimes, if we don’t let ourselves slow down, our bodies make us.
A Few Simple Seasonal Family Joys to Try This Week
Signs of Early Spring Walk – Take a slow walk and look for the subtle shifts in the season: buds on trees, birds singing more, that sense of something stirring. Maybe bring a sketchbook or journal to record what you notice.
Seasonal Reading – Pick a book that fits the mood of early spring - something light, hopeful, or rooted in nature. Maybe poetry, folklore, or a nature-inspired novel. I think I may create a smaller one just for me too! There’s something about the changing season that calls for a fresh stack of books. What’s on your spring reading list?
Nature Crafting – Press early spring flowers, make a leaf rubbing, or start a simple nature journal to track the season’s changes.
Seasonal Scavenger Hunt – This egg box scavenger hunt is a great way to encourage kids to get outside, even if it’s just around the block. Click below for a free printable to stick inside an egg box, and watch as they have fun foraging for a collection of seasonal treasures.
Write a Letter to Spring – A fun exercise, especially with kids. If you could write to the season, what would you say? What do you hope for in the coming weeks?
So, whether this week has been foggy or full of momentum, I hope you find a moment to pause and notice the season shifting. If you’re feeling a little stuck or weary, or waiting for something to shift, take a few minutes to notice the magnolias and blossoms. As they patiently unfold, they remind us that everything has its season.
And ours will come too.
Sending a little springtime hope.
Love,
Charlotte x
Click here to read last week’s edition – a deep dive into the joy of scrapbooking and capturing seasonal moments.
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