Monday

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

-Winston Churchill

Welcome to Monday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The spring reset you need in your life

• Which wildflowers to look out for this spring

• How you could go to Disney for almost free

• An easy no-bake cheesecake bar recipe

• One piece of workout equipment, 5,000 different workouts

A Spring Reset That’s Actually Doable

Spring has this quiet way of waking us up. Suddenly, there’s light in the evenings, birds sound like they’re hosting a concert outside your window, and your brain starts whispering, let’s do something. The good news? You don’t need a dramatic transformation. Spring self-care is more about gentle shifts than grand plans.

Start with your space. Clean one drawer. Light a candle. Put fresh flowers on the counter. Tiny environmental changes have a sneaky way of changing how we feel—like an accidental mood makeover. And if you’re in the “my brain is full” camp, try making a vision board. Not the Pinterest-perfect kind. Just scissors, tape, and whatever feels like you right now.

Physically, walking counts. So does gardening, even weeding. Your body doesn’t need a boot camp; it needs a little daylight and some movement that doesn’t feel like punishment.

And reconnecting doesn’t have to mean a party. Text a friend you’ve been meaning to call. Sit outside and just… be around people. That counts. Spring’s whole vibe is about re-entering gently.

Spring Wildflowers to Spot on Your Next Walk

Spring doesn’t exactly sneak in—it blooms in bold color. And some of its earliest messengers are wildflowers. From desert blooms to Appalachian trails, native wildflowers are nature’s way of saying “we made it.” But these little guys do more than mark the season—they support pollinators, fight erosion, and give local ecosystems a much-needed boost.

Depending on where you live, you might spot showy bluebonnets in Texas, California poppies lighting up hillsides, or delicate trilliums tucked into shaded forest trails. Bloodroot and Dutchman’s breeches bloom early in the Northeast, while desert marigolds pop in the Southwest. Each region has its own cast of bloomers—and their timing is so precise, scientists often track climate change by watching when they appear.

Planting native wildflowers at home is easier than you’d think. You don’t need a field—just a sunny windowsill or patch of soil and some region-specific seeds (try your state’s native plant society for tips).

You’ll be helping butterflies, bees, and even birds. Plus, it’s hard not to smile when you see something bright and unexpected growing right where you planted it.

How to Get to Disney World for Free (Almost)

A Walt Disney World vacation for a family of four could cost up to $5,000—but with this step-by-step blueprint, you could make it happen for less than $100. Discover how to use credit card rewards to cover your entire trip, including airfare, hotel stays, and park tickets. Why pay full price when there’s a better way?

Get the blueprint now.

Thank you to Brad’s Deals for sponsoring Note To Self. 

A No-Bake Treat That Feels Like Spring

No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Crust:
1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed (about 1¼ cups)
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar

Mix crust ingredients until the texture resembles wet sand. Press into an 8-inch square dish. Chill while preparing the filling.

Raspberry Swirl:
6 oz raspberries
¼ cup granulated sugar
Juice of ½ lemon

Simmer all ingredients for 8 minutes, mashing berries as they cook. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and let cool.

Filling:
2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Juice of ½ lemon
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar (for whipping)

Whip cream and ¼ cup powdered sugar to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, remaining powdered sugar, yogurt, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.

Spread filling over crust. Spoon raspberry sauce on top and swirl with a toothpick. Chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Save Big On The Full-Body Workout Everyone’s Obsessed With

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True! Practicing gratitude regularly can literally rewire your brain to notice and appreciate the good stuff more easily. It’s science and a little bit of magic.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Take a few extra minutes today to reset for spring!

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!