Simple and Free Spring Pleasures for Single Moms

Too often I forget about the simple things in life. Right now it's winter, cold, and blustery outside so all I want to do is curl up with a blanket and hot cocoa.

But pretty soon it will be spring and the fever will hit me. Nature and the outdoors will be calling my name. I'll want to spend money and be carefree, but because I have certain goals the money I have is for my long-term ambitions.

So I'll need to find a way to indulge in simple pleasures when Spring Fever hits. Here is a list of things that I came across a long time ago. I don't know who originated this list, but they are some really good ideas. Enjoy!

1. Go for a leisurely walk with a friend in an area where you usually don’t have time to stroll and see how many different trees, birds and so on, you can find.

2. Window shop downtown or at the mall but don’t take your credit card.

3. Take a folding chair with you to the park and enjoy sitting by the lake.

4. Make arrangements with a friend to have each other over for dinner once a week or month. That way you and your friend get one day off from cooking.

5. Sit at the mall in the open eatery section and watch and listen to the people.

6. Go to the library and browse through the free newspapers and magazines while you sit in the reading area.

7. Check out a free video from the library or a talking book.

8. Check the newspaper for free concerts. Sometimes the churches hold free noon hour recitals.

9. Go to your favorite store and play the game of pretend while you check out the new arrivals that you can’t afford.

10. Join a hiking group or a group who walk at the mall for exercise before the mall opens.

11. Watch the sunrise

12. Watch the sunset

13. Color

14. Eat an ice cram cone

15. Drink plenty of water

16. Call a friend

17. Learn to enjoy being by yourself.

18. Tell yourself that you love you.

19. Watch your favorite childhood movie

20. Solve a crossword puzzle