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April Smiles

April 28, 2020 By nextphaseinfitness 26 Comments

 


This is my monthly wrap up of things that made me smile during the month of April. Earlier in the year I made a commitment to myself to make a concerted effort to think about the great and positive things in my life, and in particular, those things that make me smile. These days, most of the things that make me smile are the simple, every day things that many would consider to be unremarkable. No longer do I need big things or big events in my life, to make me happy

When I decided to write monthly, about the happy moments during the month, of course I had no idea that Covid-19 was about to appear in our lives, causing life, as we know it, to change.

I’m sure most would say that April has been quite stressful and worrying. But this post isn’t to dwell on  those worries. During the month I’ve been taking note of things around me they make me smile. At the start of the month I did think that there may not be very much at all to smile at.
Surprisingly, there were many happy moments in April. It seems that life in isolation has given me time to slow down and look around me. Even in these difficult times, there is so much positivity and much to smile about.

  •  Life in isolation. I’m loving it!
  •  Rain! 125mls in 2 days. This was the biggest rainfall here in a long while
  •  Our dam is full for the first time in four years
  •  Back to basics baking has been fun
  •  Doing my own fitness & health challenge  while in isolation
  •  Chocolate at Easter. I took a break from my ‘no chocolate’ challenge for Easter
  •  Having our phone and internet reconnected after almost three very trying weeks without it
  • More time than usual in the vegie garden. The winter greens are all now planted and growing well.
  •  Re-discovering Aerobics Oz Style on YouTube
  • Cycling on the Rail Trail regularly with my partner. I’m loving being able to ride again
  • I picked up a new book on a  discount table at newsagent for $2 and I loved it. For my reading friends, the book is Firelight & Woodsmoke by Claude Michele 
  • Following Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty’s 7 day healthy eating challenge
  • My partner made my breakfast every day. We usually leave home early for work, so don’t worry about breakfast. Usually it’s a coffee in the car. It’s been lovely to have a leisurely breakfast and especially one that is made  for me.
  • Walking with my poodle, Oscar, on bush trails near our house, every day.
  • Anzac Day was even more poignant that usual due to social distancing
  • Watching Jimmy Barnes’ daily videos, singing from home on Instagram
  • Blogging April A-Z Challenge
  • Our neighbour’s donkey always makes me smile when we pass by on our walk

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Filed Under: At home Tagged With: April Smiles

Comments

  1. Michele Somerville says

    April 29, 2020 at 6:06 am

    What a lovely list and a great idea. Maybe I will try making my own “lovely list” for the month of May! Thanks for sharing. Blessings, Michele

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      April 29, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      I’d love to read your list Michele. Thanks for popping in again

      Reply
  2. Christine says

    April 29, 2020 at 8:58 am

    While the whole Caronavirus thing is a disaster, I have to say I’m rather enjoying the shutdown period and the quiet time it’s bringing for a catch up. With travel plans cancelled, it’s been a great chance to do things I’ve been avoiding for a long time. And yes the rain – it’s even raining here today which is lovely. I have been a bit slack with exercise though. There’ always today!

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      April 29, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      I agree Christine. The down time has been great for me to. I think being forced to stop is what I needed.

      Reply
  3. Natalie says

    April 29, 2020 at 9:00 am

    Jennifer, It’s wonderful to see so many smiles in April for you. There is always positivity around us , we just need to pay attention like you do. #MLSTL

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      April 29, 2020 at 8:43 pm

      I’m constantly amazed at how positives there are while times seem so difficult. Thanks for visiting again

      Reply
      • Natalie says

        May 4, 2020 at 8:48 am

        I’m back to say keep up your good work. Have a wonderful week! #lifethisweek

        Reply
        • nextphaseinfitness says

          May 4, 2020 at 8:52 pm

          Hi Natalie. Thanks for popping in again

          Reply
  4. Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says

    April 29, 2020 at 9:24 am

    Hi Jen what a positive and happy post to start my Wednesday. Like you I’m enjoying my time of isolation and I think that there is always something positive we can take from life. We are so fortunate to have technology and communication to be able to stay in touch with loved ones. I’m happy that your dam is full and you’ve had rain which is something City folk like me take for granted. Thanks again for bringing joy to my day and sharing at #MLSTL. x

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      April 29, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      Thanks Sue. There’s always a positive if we open our eyes to it. Thanks for popping in again

      Reply
  5. Joanne Tracey says

    April 29, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Lots to love here. I just looked up Firelight & Woodsmoke – it sounds fascinating. We also found Anzac Day extra moving this year. Here’s to more smiles in May.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      April 29, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      I’m halfway through the book and loving it. Hope May is good for you too Jo.

      Reply
  6. Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au says

    April 29, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    Life lately is definitely about all the small pleasures isn’t it Jen? I’ve been reminding myself to focus on them every day as the lockdown protocols are now starting to weary me a little. The weather here has been beautiful and that’s been a huge positive for getting outside and even for sitting and looking out the window when I’m on my laptop. Hope you keep enjoying these quiet days – and pondering your future return to work?
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      April 29, 2020 at 8:40 pm

      Yes I’m pondering work Leanne. Really not sure what the future holds. Not rushing the decision. Hoping I wake up one day and have the answer

      Reply
  7. Debbie Harris says

    April 29, 2020 at 4:12 pm

    Hi Jennifer, so much here that I was nodding along to! I’ve been checking out Jimmy Barnes’ daily videos too and Jane is so fantastic isn’t she? I’ve been riding our rail trail on my new ebike and loving it but the rain has arrived, so no riding for a while now! I’ve rediscovered old recipes and have had fun making things I haven’t cooked in years. Fitness classes with my mother and sister and other family every day by zoom has been a good way to stay in touch. Love your smiles this month. All the best and yes we are loving the rain here too! #mlstl

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      April 29, 2020 at 8:39 pm

      The family fitness classes sound great Deb. I love watching Jane Barnes too. The look of concentration and adoration for him. I’m sure I watch her most of the time

      Reply
  8. Pradeep says

    April 29, 2020 at 10:57 pm

    Hi Jennifer – I don’t have to go to office since it is work from home. In the bargain, I have got more time on my hands, and I have been able to many activities for which I usually never got time. The freshness of pollution-free air, stress-free days since I don’t have to battle traffic-heavy commute.
    Loved reading your post.
    (Via MLSTL)

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      April 30, 2020 at 8:30 pm

      Sounds like life in isolation is working for you too Pradeep. Stay safe.

      Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    April 30, 2020 at 11:29 pm

    Love this list and rediscovering old aerobics programs is fun.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      May 4, 2020 at 8:53 pm

      It sure is fun Jennifer. Pleased you enjoyed it

      Reply
  10. Christie Hawkes says

    May 3, 2020 at 3:37 am

    So much to smile about, Jennifer. Thanks for sharing your April smiles with us. #MLSTL

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      May 3, 2020 at 5:30 pm

      Thanks for popping in again Christie. Stay safe x

      Reply
  11. Pamela Graham says

    May 4, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    Thank you so much for your positivity, love your list. So easy to forget the small and inconsequential things that make the day and the delightful things I’ve come across on the Internet that lift the spirits.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      May 5, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks for visiting Pamela and for enjoying my list

      Reply
  12. Denyse Whelan says

    May 6, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    Loved the way you have been able to turn what might have been a negative month into a better one by deliberately looking for the smiles. Well done you, because that is hard on many levels. Rain, what a drop you got!

    Thank you so much for being part of Life This Week by linking up and leaving a comment on my post. It is a great way to share the connection on-line. Next week the optional prompt is 19/51 Special Anniversaries 11.5.2020. I look forward to seeing you there too. Stay safe and well. Denyse.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      May 6, 2020 at 8:40 pm

      Thanks for dropping by Denyse. I appreciate your support

      Reply

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