Spring is, without a doubt, my favorite season. Everything about it breeds creativity, refreshment, and joy for my soul. Coming out of a season of cyclical depression and grey skies, nothing makes me feel quite like myself again like the sight of sunsets and the sound of chirping birds. It all equals instant bliss, and I get so giddy that I feel like I could sing from the rooftop—but I’ll spare you of that delight for a later date and time. 

Maybe you’re like me, and you’re thrilled about this flip of the calendar. Or, maybe you prefer fall for its crisp weather and pumpkin-spiced everything. I get it… pumpkin spice and cinnamon are hard flavors to beat. But perhaps you’re looking to make the most out of your second favorite season. Wink, wink. In either case, here are some of the ways I’m trying to make the most of this fresh, enchanting, beautiful season that might inspire you or help you make the most of these lighter days.

• Get outside as much as possible. It’s my goal to get outside every day, if even only for five minutes. Whether I’m walking, sitting by the pool after work, working outside, or running to grab coffee down the street, the simple act of being outdoors is so freeing. 

• Grab dinner, drinks, or coffee with friends—on the patio. It’s patio season, baby! I love sitting on a good patio as the day winds down and twilight takes over. And there’s more of the evening to enjoy with the stun staying out longer. Something about it is magical to me—those nights when you bring a sweater “just in case” but start in a t-shirt or tank top as the traffic, sunlight, and worries of the day start to fade. Someone tell me that’s not magical… I can feel it in my soul.

• Make new playlists. A new season is a great time to mix up what I’m listening to. Here’s my classic spring playlist, and another that I recently threw together (it’s still a work in progress). It’s exciting to have a new folder for previously homeless songs, and a new set of playlists keeps life interesting. 

• Utilize the weekends to take advantage of the city. For me, in Dallas, this looks like getting over to White Rock Lake more often. Are there any places in your city you love but don’t normally go visit? What better time than the present to go spend a little more time in those special places? I’ve realized I don’t have to go far to experience something different or out of my typical routine. 

• Wear more color. I have a pretty standard palette in my closet which consists of black, white, olive green, camel, and denim. But something has shifted in me this year—I’ve pulled out the most vibrant pieces ever. And it’s made me feel so alive! It may sound cheesy, but it’s been a really fun way to lean into the emergence of spring. Even when it’s not a display of vibrant colors, pulling out clothes from the back of my closet helps signal this new season in a visual way. 

• Start a new journal. Similar to the vibrant clothing note, I’ve been writing in vivid, bright journals lately. Something about it feels light and exciting. My approach to writing and getting my thoughts down feels lighter and more exciting, too. It’s a super small change but has brought about a big shift in my spirit. 

• Reflect on all that’s new, fresh, renewed in life—kind of like spring cleaning for my soul. As we head into warmer days, I’ve been reflecting on what’s different this spring than a year ago, two years ago, etc., and what I want to carry with me into this new season vs. leave behind. 

• Window shop. Something about moving around, looking at fresh new displays, and getting inspiration from the styles and colors of the season has been energizing to me. If you’ve seen me loitering around Anthropologie… Now you know why. (Actually, I do this in all four seasons. I’m an Anthro junkie. I can’t help it. But their spring displays have been stunning and oh, so vivacious this year.)

• Switch up nighttime and morning routines. Since we do have more sunlight later in the evening, there’s a whole new world of freedom after 5:30 pm. Watching less TV and getting outside, running errands, and just enjoying the sunlight has helped me enjoy this present season so much more intentionally. Waking up 20-30 minutes earlier in the morning has also been a great way to start the days off on a cheerier note. Hitting snooze twenty times and dragging myself out of bed just feels so… winter. So last season. 

Leave a comment or email me your favorite things about spring—I’m always looking for new ideas!