In January I suggested we “write a book together” in 2024 and pitched the idea of assigning each month a chapter title.
So far, I’ve had:
- January – Steady: Finding Solid Ground After a Year of Drowning.
- February – Busy (with Intention): Making Time for Things that Provide Joy, Energy, and Thrill
- March – Up and Down: Trying to Enjoy the View from Life’s Rollercoaster
This month?
I did a lot of brain work. So many things happen offline and outside the scope of this blog and April involved taking an exhausting inventory of mental challenges (past, present and, to a certain extent, future). There were moments where I felt overwhelmed and exhausted and wanted to throw my hands up in despair. But I made progress. And that feels like something to cling to! Plus, summer is coming and I know there is more sunshine in my future.
Looking back, I’d summarize the month like this:
April – Spring Cleaning: Unpacking My Bags and Tidying Up (Oh, and Look At Those Pretty Flowers!)
Your turn. How would you label Chapter Four (April 2024)?
Header photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Jenny
Elisabeth, more sunshine will help you so much! Not to oversimplify, but those gray days of winter really take a toll. I hope you’re through the worst of it (although of course unpacking baggage is a lifelong process.)
I think my chapter for April would be “The Calm Before the Storm.” April was a pretty chill month for me, but May has already gotten crazy.
Elisabeth
You are so right. Winter really took a lot out over this year even though, ironically, we didn’t have much snow. There has just been a lot of cold temperatures, overcast and/or rainy days (even in the winter) and I just want sun. Like day after day after day of sun. Is that too much to ask for?
“The Calm Before the Storm.” What a great title…albeit a bit ominous! I hope the storm is mostly fun things? I know your big race is in the mix so THAT’S EXCITING!!!!!!
Kyria @ Travel Spot
Holy moly; how did chapter four get over so fast! I feel like April has been such an interesting month for me. It has been different every day, yet also very much the same day after day, if that makes sense. Also I have seen a lot and spent a lot of time with many people…however, I think my chapter four will be as follows:
Chapter One – January: Everything Must Go!
Chapter Two – February: The Life Changing Event
Chapter Three – March: A New Beginning
Chapter Four – April: An Unquenched Hunger
Elisabeth
You have the makings of a bestseller, here, Kyria!
ccr in MA
Ah, April! For me, it has involved somewhat less of the mom-health-stress feelings (though still some), and some cautious planning for going places more. I think my chapter title is April: Getting Out There (not just to doctor visits).
Elisabeth
Yay for getting back out “there.” I hope there are many fun days ahead!
mbmom11
So for me ,
April would be titled:
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
A very depressing novel so far!
Elisabeth
Oh no! You have had such a rough start to 2024 🙁
Perhaps May will be Onward and Upward (Way Up?) – sure hoping that’s the reality for you.
Ally Bean
April for me would be: You Never Know What’s What With People Or The Weather
Elisabeth
This covers a wide base!
Daria
January, chapter 1: Rest and Relaxation.
February, chapter 2: spring awakening and feeling more energy
March, chapter 3: anticipation and je t’aime, Paris
April, chapter 4: garden, community, and culture
Elisabeth
Ohhhh…love this chapter title. It seems so fitting for spring when the world – and our friendships – seem to open up again after the dormancy of winter.
Sophie
Love this! Yay for more sunshine ahead. April was the start of our nice weather (cooler and sunny instead of hot and humid/wet). Mine might be-
April: Sick kids and Sunshine
Elisabeth
You have had a long stretch of illness. Hope May brings health and many more days of sunshine!!!
Gigi
Hmmm, April I think could be summed up with Spring is Here! Yay!
or, alternatively,
Life is Pretty Good.
Elisabeth
<3
Birchie
Let’s get ‘er up to date:
January: New Year, New Puppy
February: 25 Days of Puppy Snuggles, 4 Days on the Beach
March: Hikeapalooza
April: The Escape Hatch
(PS the escape hatch = I GOT A NEW JOB!!! I’m starting in two weeks!!! Someday I’ll get caught up with blogging and get everyone up to date)
Elisabeth
Um, WHAT???!!! This is epic and awesome and I hope it is everything you wanted and needed and then some!
Lisa's Yarns
April for me: So. Much. Travel. With a sprinkling of a loss.
My year is shaping up to be solidly lit fic with lots of pick emotions.
Elisabeth
2024 has been…a lot. Hoping May brings a much-needed reprieve.
Stephany
Oh, April. I think I would label that month, “The Diagnosis.” Getting a diagnosis of severe obstructive sleep apnea was no bueno and really threw me for a loop for a while!
Elisabeth
Ugh. It IS a big diagnosis and an annoying new reality (the machines are still annoying even if they are a lot smaller than a decade ago). You’ve got this and I hope you feel so much better with the constant oxygen flow at night once you get fitted for a CPAP machine <3
Kate
I also feel like it can’t possibly have been a month since we shared our chapter titles for March!
January: Reconsidering
February: Whirling Dervish
March: Coming Up For Air
April: New Rhythms
(I’ll blog more about this soon, but as of TODAY, Nick is no longer traveling out of town for work. He resigned from his position at the seminary and is expanding one of his part-time jobs with a local church to becoming fulltime music director there. It is a HUGE shift and we are all so ready for it!!)
Elisabeth
This is so exciting! A change can be as good as a rest and I know how much pressure regular travel puts on parenting/marriage and just life logistics. It sounds like such a great move for your whole family. Yay! I’m so happy for you, Kate. Enjoy the transition into this new “normal” for you and the family.
NGS
I’m late to this post, but I need to have a complete book at the end of the year.
January: It Happened
February: CBBC, Tornadoes, and Snail Mailpalooza
March: SAD Lamp Needed
April: Denial…It Ain’t Just a River in Egypt
2024 is not shaping up to be awesome, but I’m trying to keep my head up.
Elisabeth
Okay, this was a good one, Engie. Gold stars. Denial…it did take me a second – but just a second – to figure that out!
Keep your head up my friend. But – ooff – what a year.