No offense to every other spring that’s come before, but Spring 2021 has a special shine. This just might be the springiest spring that’s ever sprung!
This has everything to do with the year we’ve all just lived through. Winter is often a tough season for lots of people, but a pandemic winter really was a whole new brand of tough. Not only were we isolated from friends and family, but we couldn’t even get out to enjoy the sunshine or socially distant socializing.
But here we are on the other side! Vaccinations are ramping up and the oppressive anxiety and fear we’ve been living with is slowly lifting. The fact that this coincides with the season of renewal is just the cherry on top! And here are a few things I’m incredibly psyched to do now that things are looking up.
1. Patio Dining
Despite being vaccinated, I’m not rushing to dine inside restaurants yet. But outdoor dining? Bring it on! I treasure the thought of meeting friends for a casual lunch or having family dinners at our favorite local restaurants once again.
2. Exploring the Great Outdoors
Hikes, beach days, kayaking, neighborhood walks, parks… there are so many ways to enjoy the lovely spring weather in a way that won’t put anyone at risk. I highly recommend seeking out places you haven’t been before like botanical gardens, arboretums, zoos, nature trails, etc. And you can enjoy all of them with friends you haven’t seen for a year!
3. Develop a Green Thumb
Whether or not you’re a gardening pro, consider planting something this spring. Even if it’s just a pot of basil or some hardy flowers in a hanging basket, the process of nurturing something that grows may be just the mental boost you need after a rough year.
4. Bring Out Your Spring Clothes
One of my favorite parts of this time of year is putting away the coats and sweaters and pulling out the shorts, sundresses and sandals. I say you should also treat yourself to a beautiful new outfit that you can wear to your safe socializing events this summer!
5. Road Tripping
You may feel comfortable with air travel, especially if you’ve been vaccinated. But if you’re still hesitant to sit on a plane, that’s understandable. You can still plan a fun vacation that may involve just a few hours in the car. You don’t have to go far to get a change of scenery and let your brain go into vacation mode… something most of us desperately need after a year with little to no travel.
6. Chilly Nights Around the Fire
I love those warm spring days that give way to chilly evenings, which are just made for hanging out around a fire. You change your sandals to sneakers and throw on a lightweight hoodie and it’s just the coziest thing ever. And if you need a perfect, new hoodie for these occasions, we’ve got you covered.
7. BBQs Are Back!
One of the best parts about warm weather is grilling out with friends or family. There’s just something about it that feels nostalgic and makes you realize that the best moments in life are often the simple ones.
The last year has been harder than any of us could have imagined. While the pandemic is still far from over, there is light on the horizon. And vaccinations provide us with a newfound sense of freedom.
This spring and summer, I intend to continue being careful and following CDC guidelines on socializing. And fortunately, it’s pretty clear that socializing outside with other vaccinated folks is safe. So, I plan on living my best life and catching up on many of the things I missed out on for the last year. And I hope you will too!