Seven Things to Love About Spring

Yesterday (at precisely 12:57 p.m., I'm told) we officially crossed into spring! I was in the best mood all day. It's no secret that this winter has been brutal, and I couldn't be more ready for sunshine and all the wonderful things that the warmer seasons bring. Here are some of my favorite things about spring:

1. Fresh flowers. I love picking up cut blooms for my apartment, passing all the lovely gardens in my neighborhood, and just being surrounded by things more beautiful than bare trees and brown grass. 

2. Bare legs. I'm ready to retire my tights and leggings in favor of shorter hemlines. These J. Crew shorts are a warm weather staple in my wardrobe. 

3. Longer days. More evening sunlight means pleasant evening runs. My neighborhood is full of runners and walkers. It's fun to see the community stop hibernating!

4. Baseball season. Go Reds! 

5. Dining (and drinking) alfresco. Spring begins my mad hunt for the best biergarten. I got a little spoiled in Paris with the adorable cafes with outdoor seating on every block. 

6. Open-toed shoes. I'm ready to retire my boots for a long time. Bring on the sandals and fun pedicures. 

7. Spring cleaning. My apartment could use a top-to-bottom fresh start. It's also a great time to donate wardrobe pieces I no longer love, making room for the new things I'm bound to find. 

What's your favorite part of spring?

xx,

Rachel

On Being a (Terrible) Runner

I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I don't particularly enjoying feeling like I'm performing any activity at a less than excellent level. As a result, I've sometimes avoided activities that don't come naturally to me. This trait has certainly made me miss out on some amazing experiences.

I've made it a personal goal to do things at which I'm terrible. Running is one of these things. I am prone to injury, slow as molasses, and usually miserable every step of the way. That's exactly why I keep doing it.

Chasing perfection instead of progress only hurts you. I might never have the best mile time or become an ultra-marathoner, but I am okay with that. I do it because it's good for me - for both my cardiovascular health, and for my level of humility.  I don't just risk failure - I readily invite it into my life. While I still devote myself fully to projects, work, and reaching my goals, I think it's healthy to have a "Phoebe" moment every now and then:

This weekend, I will be volunteering with my sorority alumnae group at the Disabled American Veterans 5K. We will be pushing veterans in wheelchairs through the Honor Roll course, and I am so excited to participate in this event. It's such an amazing privilege to be able to use my body freely and push it to its limits. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to thank some individuals who gave up this privilege to protect our freedoms.

xo,

Rachel

P.S. Online registration for the Cincinnati DAV 5K is closed, but you can still register on the day of the race! Details here.