After a tiring winter I’ve been really excited for the spring. I’ve been in need of happy, and I’ve taken to kind of trying to wring it out of every day- so I thought that I might share a few things that have been working for me that might fit into your weekend plans…

1. Make the first move. There is no faster way to feel loved than to be someone who gives their love out freely. Throughout the week I make a point of sending my family and friends little e-mails and text messages that remind them that they mean a lot to me, and their responses always make my day better too.

2. Go on a retreat. I tend to be overly plugged in and live a little in my head, so about once a month I declare the weekend to be a Homebody Retreat. For me that means staying in, reading books, checking my e-mail only once a day, and making things with my hands. It’s my way of making sure I’m getting what I need. A retreat can be a weekend framed all around sports, being out with friends, or volunteering- but setting aside big chunks of time to put into what you love is priceless.

3. Take yourself on a date. Have lunch alone, hit a matinee, or just pop some tea in a thermos, grab a book and find a sunbeam out in the world. Quiet time is wonderful for recharging your batteries.

4. Make a finished product. One thing I miss about working in theatre is having a Big Finished Product every few months, complete with opening night party and applause. In most modern jobs you get to push away at corners of things, but a finished product is not part of the equation. Finished doesn’t even really apply to blogging! For me, reading, photography, and sewing are ways I can look at something and feel proud of the end result. Why not do some yard work or cook a big meal? Finishing something always gives me a boost of satisfaction.

5. Build a nest. Grab your favourite funny movie, some snacks, and a friend (or puppy), and plunk down on the couch or in a cozy corner….with the comforter off your bed. I do this all the time, and something about wrestling with a huge giant blanket just makes the relaxing better. Doing this first thing on a lazy Sunday is a delicious and decadent way to wake up.

Have a wonderful weekend!

(& if you feel like exploring, see my older simple happy posts here & here)

ps – I know I’ve been short on my wordier posts lately (my introversion comes and goes) but I have some more fun stuff coming next week including a little video blog I think you’ll be quite amused by =)