Ahhh April! What a month!

Filled with its showers, its hints of more springtime, and its hope that May is near!

To me, it has always been a transition month to my all-time favorite month of May (tied with October!). However, in the desire to live with more joy in life, I have discovered that April offers so many joyful aspects as well. Here are 10 joyful things about April!

#1: April Fool’s Day

Historically, I haven’t loved April Fools’ Day because I often associated it with playing pranks on people which I never really loved (the empath in me, I believe!).

However, when I was researching for this post, I was reading about April Fools’ Day in the book, Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions, which is a fun book with more historical ways to celebrate holidays during the year, and I loved the way she described April Fools’ Day as more of a day dedicated to the merriment from, “playing together […] than to playing practial jokes.”

I love that idea! How about we dedicate a whole day to just laughing and being merry! Humor is such a powerful tool in living a joyful life, and it is actually listed as one of the eight pillars of joy in The Book of Joy, which I talked about in my post on feeling joy when the world feels heavy.

I love this quote on the power of humor and laughter by Charles Glassman,

“Don’t underestimate the power of humor and the ability to laugh at yourself to deliver peace and serenity.” -Charles Glassman

How true—what a powerful thing humor is! And how fun could it be to use April Fools’ Day to promote this very idea!

Interestingly, Sarah Ban Breathnach writes in Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions, that the origin of April Fools’ Day is actually a complete mystery. Different stories are told about how it became to be—ranging from when the New Year was changed to begin on January 1st instead of April 1st, but the news traveled slowly that some “fools” thought it still was the new year on April 1st to Roman mythology roots.

No matter the “why” of how this holiday came to be, April Fools’ Day offers us a wonderful chance to embrace the hilarity of life all around us and gives us a wonderful reason to truly take some time to laugh!

Here’s some ways to celebrate April Fool’s Day (sans pranks!):

• Check out this interesting article all about the various ideas of where April Fools’ Day started: April Fools’ Day: Origins, Meaning & Hoaxes and/or this article by the Library of Congress: April Fools: The Roots of an International Tradition
• In her book, Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach suggests the idea of thinking of someone who makes you laugh and scheduling an impromptu meeting up with them on this day to catch-up! I love that-how about a hike, a walk, grabbing some food, etc. and getting to cherish some special time together?
• Watch this video of a professor’s “mistake” during class: Math Professor Fixes Projector Screen (April Fools Prank)
• Try out some of these April Fools’ jokes with a child in your life–or laugh at the corniness yourself!: 20 Fun April Fools Jokes for Kids
• In Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions, Sarah Ban Breathnach suggests making an All Fools’ Supper with foods that are disguised to look like other foods!

#2: April Showers

Perhaps one of the reasons I have struggled with April is due to its rainy days. There’s the old saying of “April showers bring May flowers”—as someone who loves the flowers in May, I always wished we could skip through the April showers part. Gray, gloomy days of rain so often made me feel less joyful.

However, I am truly trying to see the benefit in rainy days. There is beauty in them for making us slow down, to stay inside and rest, to experience the world in a different way and a joy in knowing showers are needed to help our Earth stay green!

When I was in fifth grade my teacher read a book, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and there is a scene and quote in it that still sticks with me to this day regarding rainy days.

It goes,

“He unfurled his umbrella with a flourish and opened it over his head. Large yellow butterflies were painted all over the clear plastic. Lindy fell into step beside him. ‘I love your umbrella,’ she said admiringly.

‘I bought it because it’s cheery and it makes people look up. Have you noticed how nobody ever looks up? Nobody looks at chimneys, or trees against the sky, or the tops of buildings. Everybody just looks down at the pavement or their shoes. The whole world could pass them by and most people wouldn’t even notice.’ ” –The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, Julie Andrews (quote found via: The Sensible Nonsense Project)

It always interests me how some people love gloomy, gray, rainy days—like those who love the Pacific Northwest weather! That weather to them is as golden as bright sunny days are to me!

Interestingly , there is actually a word (under review to offically be a word!) for someone like this: a pluviophile!

Maybe they are onto something, in taking the time to appreciate what rainy days have to offer us!

Here’s some inspiration to embrace the rainy days of April:

• Get a colorfully fun umbrella!
• Listen to some rainy day music: Hygge Rainy Day (I just found this one while researching for this post!)
• Read this article (especially if you are like me and struggle with the moodiness gray rainy days bring!): 5 simple ways to boost your spirit on a gloomy day
• Check out these ideas for things to enjoy when rainy days come along: The Best Ways to Spend a Rainy Day
• Read these rainy day quotes: 50 Deep & Inspiring Rainy Day Quotes
• Read this sweet article about the lessons behind rainy days: The Valuable Lessons Of A Rainy Day

#3: Spring Cleaning

There’s something refreshing about spring cleaning, isn’t there? Out with the old and and in with the new! In a way, it kind of has the same vibes as the start of the new year.

Taking the time to really declutter is such a critical piece of living with more joy. It allows you to free up space in your life for the things you do want in your life!

Check out this interesting article which talks about the origins of spring cleaning and gives you some practical steps to help you embark on your own spring cleaning!: THE JOY OF SPRING CLEANING AND WHY IT IS

#4: Putting Away the Winter Coat

In March, there is such a joy in having the weather change for a little bit where you can step outside without your coat for a day or two. However, April brings such a joy in being able to really put away your winter coats—in some cases for good!

In my 10 Joyful Things post on November, I wrote about how my uncle says there is a joy in taking out your sweaters in the autumn. However, I would also add—there is a joy in putting your sweaters and winter coats away come springtime! Even if you switch to your spring coats-it’s a nice feeling to leave the house without the heaviness of a winter coat!

#5: Earth Day

We live on a beautiful planet. Truly. We are so fortunate to have such a joyful place to call home! And Earth Day gives us the chance to celebrate and honor our Mother Earth!

According to the Environmetnal Protection Agency (EPA), Earth Day actually “began” in April 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson created the day in an effort to help promote some environmental action/policy at a national level after seeing a severe need for it across the country. It was effective-the EPA was created eight months later!

On the first Earth Day—Gaylord Nelson said the following quote regarding our Earth Day which I think sums up the joy of taking care of our world!

“Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.” -Senator Gaylord Nelson (April 22, 1970)

Want some ideas for celebrating Earth Day? Check these out:

• Watch this short clip about what His Holiness the Dalai Lama has to say about caring for our Earth: Caring for Our Global Environment
• Go for a hike and soak up all that Mother Earth has to offer us!
• Donate to a organization which is promoting a better Earth for all (Check out this page: Highly Rated Environmental Nonprofits on Charity Navigator for some highly rated organizations doing just that!
• Read more about Gaylord Nelson and his journey to establishing Earth Day: Gaylord Nelson and Earth Day
• Watch this sweet short film by Disney all about two volcanos on Earth: Lava
• Read a book with a child in your life (or on your own!)- all about our amazing planet: Thank You, Earth, My Friend Earth and/or One Earth
• Watch a series all about Mama Earth! Check out one of these: (Authenticity Note: I am making my way through this list myself!): Our Planet (on Netflix), Night on Earth (on Netflix), Life in Colour (on Netflix) and/or the film Fantastic Fungi(also on Netflix)!
• Learn ways to reduce your carbon footprint in general: How to reduce my carbon footprint?
• Learn ways to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling: How to Reduce Your Environmental Impact While Traveling
• Check out these beautiful pictures of our planet (note: some pictures are no longer showing up, but the ones that are are purely stunning!): 50 Photos of Our Crazy Beautiful Planet to Help You Celebrate Earth Day
• Look at this list of environmental leaders from around our globe: 11 Famous Environmental Leaders from Around the World
• Watch this interesting Tedx talk by Damien Mander- a former sniper in the military who now embarks on saving animals in Africa from poachers: From Sniper to Rhino Conservationist
• Read these wonderful Earth quotes: 35 Earth Day Quotes That Remind Us to Cherish the Planet
• -Listen to some music to get your into feeling grateful for Mother Earth! I love the song Medicine Blessing personally (so much so that it is listed in my post on 10 more joy songs!). Additionally, here’s a playlist dedicated to songs celebrating Earth for Earth Day!

#6: Hearing the Tree Frogs

In the Midwest, sometime around the end of April, you walk out one evening and are greeted with the sound of tree frogs!

It’s such a glorious-and joyful- sound to hear again after the silence of winter. Their sweet sound reminds us of the summery days that lie ahead!

If you are unfamiliar with tree frogs/the sound that they make, you can see and hear them here!

#7: Rainbows

With all its rain, April brings us wonderful opportunities to catch a rainbow!

Rainbows are one of the things in life that immediately shifts peoples’ moods into a more joyful state! There is something about seeing a rainbow after it rains that immediately brings a smile to your face.

Interestingly, rainbows are actually full circles–not arcs-crazy, right?!

They only appear to be arcs because when we are standing on Earth, the ground cuts them off to look like the traditional rainbow arc. Being up in the air though, you are able to see the full rainbow circle!

Regardless of how you are seeing them in the sky, coming after a storm, they remind us joy can be felt even after the most trying and difficult of times—and that joy will always triumph!

Here is an interesting post with rainbow myths and legends from cultures around the world!

#8: Arbor Day

Growing up with a father who worked in the tree-care buisness, I was instilled with the importance, beauty, and joy of trees!

Celebrated on the last Friday of April, Arbor Day first began in April of 1872 in Nebraska.
The day is owed entirely to the likes of Julius Sterling Morton who came to the state of Nebraska with his new wife and developed his love for planting trees! He later went on to become the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland. Interestingly, it is believed about one million trees were planted on that very first Arbor Day back in 1872!

I love this quote by Morton regarding trees,

“The cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the ennobling in man, and for one, I wish to see it become universal.” -Julius Sterling Morton

Trees truly are magical, and Arbor Day is a wonderful way to celebrate that! Try these ideas:

• Plant a tree or trees!: How to Plant a Bare-Root Tree
• Hug a tree: Hugging trees is good for us!
• Go forest bathing: ‘Forest Bathing’ Is Great for Your Health. Here’s How to Do It
• Watch this video all about the remarkable Wangari Maathai and her efforts to plant trees in Kenya: Wangari Maathai & The Green Belt Movement
• Check out the Arbor Day website (+short video celebrating its 50th anniversary of Arbor Day!): ArborDay.org
• Read a book about trees with a child in your life: Someday A Tree and A Tree Is Nice were two of my favorites growing up! Here’s a list of children’s books all about trees, too!: CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT TREES
• Watch this Ted Talk all about how trees can talk to each other!: How trees talk to each other | Suzanne Simard and/or this informative video of how trees “talk” to each other: The Secret Language of Trees
• Check out these awesome pictures of trees around the world: 20 Jaw-Dropping Pictures of the World’s Most Amazing Trees
• Watch this video on some of the world’s oldest trees found (and the oldest tree!): The world’s oldest trees
• Listen to the wind blowing through the trees (a favorite sound of mine personally!): The Wind in the Trees ( 10 Hours of Natural White Noise )
• Try out this app which helps you to not use your phone as much and will plant trees in real life!: Forest App
• Donate to a tree-specific organization-try Charity Naviagtor to get started!

#9: That Fresh Mown Grass Smell

One of my favorite smells-fresh mown grass. There’s something about April/around this month that allows most of us to experience this joyful smell for the first time in the year!

I actually found this interesting article all about why we think fresh cut grass is such a pleasant scent: Curious Question: Why does freshly-mown grass smell so good

#10: Seeing the Earth Become Green Again

With all the rainy days, it truly is such a fun feeling to see our Earth start to return to its greenness again. April allows us to see the grass starting to gain its green appearance, and the trees starting to show promise of gaining their leaves again.

It’s so nice (+joyful!) to see the color of green again after months of more grays, browns, and whites present in outside in nature! Especially as we enter May, the Earth around us seems to reach its peak greenness before the heat often dries up some of this green color in summertime!

What do you find joyful about April? Comment below!