Happy Easter 2022

Good Sunday morning and Happy Easter. Whatever your Easter plans are I pray that you have an amazing peaceful day. Listen when you get in your late 30s and 40s or above the one thing you want as a gift for any holiday is the gift of peace. We are having a low key day today. From a small dinner with just us, to watching movies I love these types of moments just as much as I love traveling or visiting family. So grab your favorite drink as you start the day.

Easter Blessings

Not everyone celebrates Easter the same way. Always remember that is okay. Easter can be as big or small as you desire. We attended church Saturday night and that counts for our Sunday. Even typing that is a far stretch from my upbringing. We went to church Friday, Saturday was rehearsal for the choir and Sunday School play rehearsals, and Sunday was 2 services. I don’t knock any of it. I just do what’s best for me and my family. If traditional services are your go to do just that. If online is your go to-good for you.

As a Preacher’s Kid and musically inclined family here are my top 5 songs for Easter:

Jesus Paid it All by Kirk Franklin, The Family

By the Blood, (Worthy is the Lamb) by Cece Winans

He Lives, Fred Hammond

At the Cross by John P. Kee and New Life Community Choir

Calvary by Richard Smallwood

For the Children

I love how much kids love holidays. All of the fun of the holidays I want to attribute that to my husband and I. I tend to go out for them. I love them. That wasn’t always the case. When I was a Guest Podcast host on The Arner Adventures I spoke on how using the holidays helped me to be grateful. There are daily holidays that can uplift any day. With that thought, my children are used to me knowing the major as well as minor holidays. We look forward to what day it is. Easter is no different. So for them they love the receiving of Easter baskets. They are more than aware of what Easter represents. I am grateful for understanding balance.  So for all of the kids of all ages, enjoy your sweets and treats.

 

Cooking or Going out for Easter

We will be home and I will be cooking a simple meal. When  I asked my husband we made a simple menu and I was definitely okay with that. I tend to cook a lot of food for dinners in general. For holidays I take a menu and make it a little more extravagant. He just got back from a trip and wanted to be low key so low key he will get. However you know me I did add a little jazz to the menu. I love baking and I usually make two desserts but this year only lemon cake and ice-cream. He said he wanted low key so I scaled it back. If you know my extended family, meals for the holidays are expansive.  My grandfather would cook meals that included every meat he could find, all of the sides in one room, and a host of desserts.

If it wasn’t for the fact that we didn’t feel like going and getting dressed up and want to eat in our pajamas we would have made plans for a Brunch or dinner out. I highlighted several and know of way too many places to eat some good food. However, I have several bottles of wine chilled and we are going to be just fine.

Easter and Podcasts

To a lot Easter isn’t a major holiday. So many will be joining the simple day rule. If you are looking for a few good podcasts to listen to today I got you. Prepare for the overflow of family by listening to my podcast, Conversations with Toi. Here are 5 podcasts that I took the time to listen to. You can find them wherever you listen to podcasts but I am encouraging you to listen to it on Goodpods. Make sure you follow me as I am on there and verified.

Top 5 podcasts of the week:

Turn to your Neighbors-Nobody Cares about your Easter Outfit

Any of the 7 Good Minutes Daily Self Improvement

Ratchet and Respectable-Shifts

The Suga-Embracing Motherhood After 50

The Reclaimed Podcast-Black Maternal  Health

Journal  Prompts for Easter

I am a firm believer in journaling. Journaling allows you to organize or at least get your thoughts from your mind to paper. Its a form of self care. If you are journaling today especially and need some prompts here are some starters:

“What does Easter mean to me?”

“If today is a struggle what are your top 3 reasons why”

“Today I want to rewrite my future-what does that look like”

Self Care for Easter

Some people may want to continue their self care today. You should be practicing self care today and every day after. Self care goes beyond bubble baths and nail appointment. Its about getting what you need at any given time. Self care can be achieved by using your cell phone strategically. Here are some suggestions for today:

• Place boundaries in seeing family and friends
• End the day earlier so you can decompress
• Take a walk, jog, or other forms of movement to start your day
• Journal-see above for prompts
• Skin care
• Set a water/hydration goal-see The Arners Infused Water Detox
• Set aside a dessert to enjoy by yourself or with someone you love

Whatever you do today. I wish you and your family a Happy Easter for those who celebrate. It’s Sunday so find a way to renew your mind. If you haven’t been able to do one thing for you-do it. We will be ready for you for Monday Motivation.