My social media has been taunting me with memories of my spring in Japan last year. As if to sympathise with me, this year, my cherry tree hasn’t even blossomed. To cheer myself up – and potentially encourage others – I thought I would create a little mood boosting spring bucket list.
While the weather has not really been great here in England, we have a saying about weather and the right clothing, so there is no reason why rain should stop you getting out this spring. That said, maybe your ideal day is one spent indoors? Well, everyone will find something to do on this list.
Planning your list
When I wrote my Kettle List I tenuously divided it into 5 very vague areas : finishing, doing, going, making, and thinking.
Finishing involved tasks like completing my previous bucket list, continuing to learn Japanese and finally passing my driving test. Doing meant trying new things, while going referred to places I would like to see. Making pointed to my ‘crafty’ endeavours, and thinking was anything spiritual from a Zen retreat to planting a tree.
With these categories in mind, here are a few suggestions to add to your own Spring Bucket List. Why not use the free printable at the end of the post to jot down your favourites?
Finishing
Now that winter has ended, you may have a few tasks around the house and garden to complete ready for spring and the approaching summer.
Maybe you need to get your wardrobe out, and go through all of those things that you won’t be needing next winter, or don’t plan on wearing this season. It is the time of year to get that spring cleaning under way after all
- Make a list of those little jobs around the house that need doing. You may not feel like doing them at the moment, but when the weather is not co-operating you will have some suggestions for things to do without leaving the hosue
- Use spring cleaning as an excuse to clear out those things you no longer need and donate them to a local charity shop. If you find you have a lot of stuff maybe save them up for a boot sale, or try your hand at selling online.
- Spring is a time for preparing, so now is the perfect time to finish tidying up the garden and getting the ground ready. Once the soil has suitably warmed up you can look to plant potatoes or onions, and it is also the time to do some weeding and mulching.
Doing
In a way I am ‘DOING’ everything that appears on my Kettle List ; Having a goal list is the first step to getting things done. When I say doing in this context I am referring to tasks like #10 Run a Tough Mudder or #6 Have Dance Lessons
What new things can you try this spring? What is going on locally? Have you been putting something off, using the statement ‘when the weather gets better…’ ? Perhaps now is the time.
- Have you seen the list that the National Trust have of things you should do before 11 3/4? You may be a bit older than the intended demographic (only by a little though, I’m sure), but it is a mine of ideas of things to do and try. How about a night time nature walk, some star gazing or climbing a large hill? Check out the National Trust’s website for a loads of ideas for things to do
- After Easter lots of museums, theme parks and attractions become fully open. Find somewhere close to you for a fun day out.
- Keep it simple with a picnic in the park, some bird watching or an afternoon at local farm or garden.
Going
There are a lot of going tasks on my Kettle List. Most of them involve international travel, so need a lot of planning – and money! But being skint and passportless should stop you from getting out and about.
- The farthest you can be from a beach in the UK is 70 miles. With that in mind, how about going to the seaside? There is something quite bracing about a walk along the coast , and if the weather is good? Even better!
- If you can’t get to the sea, how about a walk through the countryside? Whether you’re down south near Cornwall, or up north near the Lake District, or the Moors. Perhaps you’re based in Wales or Scotland? There are hundreds of miles of beautiful rural areas to wander through. Perhaps have a look at the English Heritage website for some ideas
- Don’t neglect urban spaces when deciding where to go when out and about. We’ve had some amazing city breaks in the last few years; seeing new places, exploring new areas and particularly trying out different foodie places. (But that part might just be us!) If a break to somewhere else is out of the question, why not become a tourist in your hometown. There are bound to be places you have never thought to visit. Why not try going there this spring?
Making
Even though the weather is better, maybe you want to stay in and get creative. Or perhaps ‘The Great Outdoors’ is the perfect place for crafts? Why not start with a few of these ideas.
- Maybe now is the time to crack open the kits you got for Christmas? I personally have a mini room to decorate, a cross stitch to finish and a Sashiko kit to start. What unfinished handicrafts so you have lying around? A knitted jumper that is just waiting for some buttons, or perhaps it is time to learn to crochet?
- If you are having a spring clean and getting your home in shape, why not have a look for repairs you can make. Perhaps you can update your table cloths and napkins with some cute embroidery, have a go at painting the kitchen cabinets, or replacing your heavy curtains with lighter voiles or light defusing net.
- Spring is the perfect opportunity to experiment with some new recipes. Why not search for some online? I never need an excuse to have a bowl of strawberries and cream.!
Thinking
There are tons of posts on this site about how much I love spring. One of the main aspects I enjoy is the whole ‘world coming back to life’ . That’s why I feel it is the best season to not just spend time doing, but time ‘just being’.
- Nature has a way of just making you feel better. Being outdoors is said to reduce your anxiety levels, and decreases stress. Why not have a wander through some woods, or a walk along a beach? Let the fresh air clear your mind, and reset yourself for the rest of the year.
- If you want to stay indoors, but still get the mindful experience, why not treat yourself to a spa day? If your budget doesn’t stretch to a posh pamper session, why not have a DIY one? Maybe you have some nice toiletries you’ve had as a gift that you have been saving for a special occasion. You ARE the special occasion! Why not allow yourself an indulgent evening of self-care.
- One of the items on my Kettle List is to see a sunrise and a sunset in an interesting place. I’ve manged to see the sun set over both Santa Monica Beach and the Japanese city of Kobe. Perhaps now is a good time to get out and see the sun rise, before it starts rising too early for me to want to get out of bed!
Over to you
This site is known for it’s love of lists, and for promoting that you all get a list of life goals in place for yourselves.
If you would like to join in, feel free to print off my ‘Spring Bucket List’ to stick in your planner (you have a planner right!) It can be the start of a new annual tradition – especially if you then decide to print off the other free lists – which you can find below.