Hooray! It’s finally April! After what was a relatively mild winter, though grey and gloomy, April is the month where the world begins to awaken from its winter slumber, as Spring bursts forth in a symphony of colours and scents. It’s a time of renewal, of fresh beginnings, and of blooming possibilities. But beyond the surface beauty that comes with Spring, lies a treasure trove of invaluable lessons waiting to be uncovered. So, grab your cup of coffee, settle into your favorite chair, and let’s embark on a journey through the lessons April has to offer.
1. Nothing is more powerful than a sense of humor
April kicks off with a bang – quite literally for some, as April Fools’ Day unfolds its pranks and jests. Those of us who work in schools are very aware that April begins with jokes that are usually harmless, but still require some intervention at times. I recall a year when, on April Fools Day, I looked out my classroom door to see masked students releasing chickens from their backpacks in the hallways. No harm done, but amidst the harmless hoaxes lies a profound truth: nothing is more powerful than a sense of humour. Life can throw some pretty absurd curveballs our way, and it’s our ability to laugh in the face of adversity that truly determines how resilient we can be, and how we will face the challenges.
Think about it – in moments of stress or despair, a well-timed joke or a hearty laugh can work wonders in lifting our spirits and helping us see things from a different perspective. So, let’s embrace the absurdity of life, crack a smile, and remember that laughter truly is the best medicine. We can remember to laugh, to smile, to take ourselves less seriously during most stressful moments – whether we are determining our response to challenges at work, dealing with our children’s sometimes less-than-wise choices or during an argument with our spouse. Some humour reminds
2. Celebrate something every day
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the monotony of routine. But April reminds us to pause, take a step back, and celebrate something every day – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
Whether it’s admiring the first bloom of spring flowers, savouring a delicious meal with your family, or simply appreciating the beauty of a sunset, there’s always something to celebrate if we choose to look for it. I celebrate each day that is warm enough to get outside, the lengthening days and growing in my newest hobby. What are you able to celebrate each day? Remember, we can absolutely celebrate the big things (my wife’s birthday and our children’s adoption day celebrations are in April…those are very important celebrations). But we can also celebrate life’s little victories and find joy in the ordinary moments that make each day special.
3. Playfulness is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe
As April progresses, the world around us becomes a playground of possibility, calling us to embrace our inner child and approach life with a sense of playfulness. From the blossoming trees we will soon enjoy to the glorious chorus of bird songs I wake up to each morning, there’s a sense of magic in the air that invites us to let go of our inhibitions and explore with wonder and curiosity.
So, April may be the perfect time to indulge in a spontaneous adventure, or try your hand at a new hobby, or simply allow yourself to get lost in the joy of the moment? After all, it’s often through play that we discover the most profound truths about ourselves and the world around us. April, after all, begins with an entire day dedicated to playfulness and fun.
4. Savor the present moment
In a world that’s constantly in motion, it’s all too easy to get caught up in deadlines, obligations, and future plans. But April teaches us the importance of slowing down, taking a deep breath, and savouring the present moment.
We have learned that April Showers bring May Flowers, but we also know that we can learn to dance in those showers, to drink in the warmth of the sun as it dries up the rain, to play in the breezes. There’s beauty to be found in the here and now if only we take the time to notice. So, now that April is here, let’s put down our phones, turn off our notifications, and immerse ourselves fully in the richness of each moment, for it is in the present that life truly unfolds. I know our world doesn’t really allow us to do that, but what if we did for one day each week? What if we gave ourselves permission to unplug and to immerse ourselves in something real and tangible?
5. Commit to being unapologetically yourself
As we move through this beautiful month, it leaves us with perhaps its most valuable lesson of all: the importance of being unapologetically ourselves. In a world that often tries to fit us into neat little boxes, it can be tempting to conform to others’ expectations or hide behind a mask of who we think we should be. We receive so many messages that who we are is not enough. Ads show us how we could be more ideal. Our friends’ social media posts remind us that we are not living our best lives. We may be told we are too much, not enough, to weird or not the “right fit.”
But April reminds us that true fulfillment lies in embracing our authentic selves – quirks, flaws, and all – and owning our unique place in the world. That is where our humanity lies. Our imperfections remind us that we are not alone, that we are connected to others. So, let’s stand tall in our truth, speak our minds, and dare to be boldly, unabashedly ourselves, for there is no greater gift we can give to the world than our authentic selves. This is not easy for me. But I am working on it.
As we bid farewell to March and usher in the warmth and promise of the months ahead, let’s carry with us the invaluable lessons it has imparted. Let’s laugh often, celebrate the beauty of each day, approach life with a sense of playfulness, savour the richness of the present moment, and above all, commit to being unapologetically ourselves. For in doing so, we unlock the true magic and potential of life itself.
I wish you a month filled with moments of beauty and goodness. And in those moments that are hard, remember that you are not alone. Happy April, everyone!
Christine Sharpe: Writer, Speaker, Leader . 
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