From the Front Porch: Easing Into Spring
Hello from the front porch, friends, welcome to the Easing Into Spring Edition of this weekly series.
How has your week been?
Recently, I was in a therapy session trying to work out an issue I’ve had for nearly 18 years.
At first, I thought it was a logistics issue.
“I’ve got 3 lacrosse games, 2 birthdays, 2 basketball games, a doctor’s appointment, and 2 PT appointments in 8 days,” I said, “Can you help me prioritize them properly? The travel time – one way – is at least an hour to an hour and a half for each event. Plus, the time we spend there, and I can’t figure out how to make it all work,” I said.
“Is this in addition to working your job? Taking care of our household and the members of that household? Are you taking the week off work to accommodate these things?” my therapist replied.
“Yes, this is all in addition, and no, I’m not taking the week off,” I said before going on a rant about how much I love being a part of the littles lives and how being at the games also helps me feel connected to my siblings.
“You don’t have a logistics problem,” she said firmly.
“You have a trust problem.”
I know.
I did not see that coming either.
“You must trust that even if you don’t show up to every game, every dance recital, every birthday party, every school function, every family dinner, family event, and family vacation, that they will still love you.”
She let the moment hang in the air until my hands were so clammy, I had to wipe them off on the tops of my pants.
“Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously,” she continued, “It’s a favorite quote of mine by Prentis Hemphill because the words show us how to hold space for the things we hold most dear.”
“You can hold space for a birthday party and a doctor’s appointment. A clean house, a nourished family, and a dance recital. You can hold space for basketball games and working a full-time job. There’s room for these things, but only when you set boundaries that allow you to operate from a place of love and trust.”
While I would love to say the word trust stopped appearing on my path the minute I finished that session, it continued following me around like a divine light all week.
So, as we prepare for a fresh month ahead, I want to gently encourage you to think about the past two months.
Do you need a fresh start?
Is there something specific you need to change?
To stop putting off?
To finally accept?
To fully embrace?
To take action on or hold space for?
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in this season, it’s that winter reminds us to be patient.
After all, everything has its own season and reason for growth.
For it’s in those quiet moments of growth that we truly discover resilience.
And learn to trust that new beginnings are ahead.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- Have you seen the Wellness project by the design team at McAlpine yet? This English Country-inspired compound is a masterclass in creating calming spaces.
- Speaking of masterclass, can we talk about all the gorgeous layers of green and blue in Pinefield by designer Ariel Okin?
- There are so many things to love in this Farmhouse tour by Kara Miller.
- Wait until you see the entrance to Cottage on Cabot in Hobe Sound via Houzz. It’s the perfect mix between beach cottage and romantic living.
DIY, Home Decor, and Seasonal Inspiration:
- Springtime Tablescape (via Le Cultivateur-love this spring garden theme)
- Bunny Place Card Holders (via Midwest Life and Style are adorable)
- How to Make a Beautiful Spring Flower Arrangement with Cabbage (via WM Design House-excited to try this)
- DIY Paper Mache Easter Eggs (via The Ponds Farmhouse-you will not believe how Rachel made these)
- Grandma Hobbies: A Cozy Cure for Anxiety and Overthinking (via Eleanor Rose Home-YES to these ideas)
- 7 Quick, Easy & Temporary Ways to Update Your Kitchen (via French Country Cottage-this kitchen is dreamy)
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- 4 “Notes to Self” that Will Stop You From Taking Today for Granted via Marc and Angel.
- 7 Protein Combos for Bagged Salads (via Self)
- 15 Things You Didn’t Know Your iPhone Could Do (via Wirecutter)
Style and Travel Inspiration:
- 9 Ways to Look Expensive with the Clothes You Already Have (via My Chic Obsession)
- The Right Order to Apply Your Makeup (via Allure)
- A guide on where to see Paris in bloom via the uber-talented Everyday Parisian.
Encouraging Words…
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
45 Simple Analog Habits to Boost Mindfulness and Unplug
Organizing an Intentional and Purpose-Filled March
Spring Front Door Bunny Basket
Shopping Notes…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- Shower Curtain (grandmillennial vibes at a budget-friendly price, 4 colors to choose from depending on size)
- Cable Management Basket (4 colors to choose from depending on shape)
- Shirt Dress (also available in black depending on size)
- Book (this book is already getting lots of buzz)
- Occlusive Face and Body Cream (great for dry skin and for slugging)
- Napkins (10 colors to choose from depending on size)
- DailyDocs Document Binder (5 colors to choose from and such a great idea too)
- Button Down Shirt (16 colors to choose from depending on size)
- Necklace (10 colors/styles to choose from depending on size)
- Dress (5 colors to choose from depending on size including a really pretty pink)
- Tablecloth (11 colors available depending on size)
- Platter (spring perfection! love the cabbage collection and dinner plates from this line too)
- Pillow Covers (over 50 colors to choose from depending on size)
- Watch Band (12 colors to choose from depending on size)
- Mock Neck Tee (30 colors available depending on size)
- Duvet Cover and Shams (6 colors to choose from depending on size)
That’s all for now!
As always, we appreciate you so much and we hope your weekend is peace filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Congratulations on completing two major milestones this week! Always feels so good! Enjoy your weekend, CoCo!
Thank you so much, Linda! I sort of wanted to shout it from the rooftops because I thought we would NEVER get through either of those milestones. But like we always say, it doesn’t matter if it’s 5 dollars or 5 minutes, it all adds up. Sending you lots of hugs and thank yous for your encouragement along the way, CoCo
I love that mirror!
They had so many goodies to look through at that event, Josiah! Hope you have the best week, CoCo
Coco
I’m always amazed with your messages of hope and faith. You are an excellent writer. Thank you for sharing my Easter eggs today. I love that adorable Easter bunny door basket. I plan to share your link on Sunday. Have a blessed weekend.
A trust issue! Wow, I don’t guess I have ever thought about it that way. Thanks for sharing this – it just might remove a little pressure! Great ideas by the way!
Thank you for all of these wonderful ideas for making March more memorable. Spring is such a beautiful time of year and I love all of your meaningful and thoughtful suggestions for making it a little extra special this year!