A fool’s errand. April Fools.

Did you know that April is the perfect month to run a fool’s errand? The obvious April fool’s day demands a prank or two from each of us. But this feisty and dicey month can make fools of us, in all the days. A fool’s errand: that’s April Fools.

The term ‘a fool’s errand’ dates all the way back to the mid 16th century, where it was used to define a “sleeveless errand” [ John Heywood’s dictionary published in 1563].

You see? Sleeveless!

Remember that time you set out on a sunny warm April day, with your short sleeves, or even more optimistic sleeveless top, and the sudden April showers turned into a full on blizzard?

a fools errand walking in april freezing rain in Ontario — April Fools…drags on.

Yes, you and me both:

going out on a fool’s errand. I would like to say ‘only in Canada’ does this unpredictable weather shift happen, however, such weather events, as they are called now, span the entire world.

Let us band together. United, we can get through this month’s storms! With the ongoing capricious USA tariffs, our hasty national election at month’s end and the ever growing uncertainty of spring weather patterns, I dare say, this entire month shall be renamed a ‘fool’s errand’.

Together, we can get through it.
How?
I share with you a simple road map of coming together.

grab a coffee and lets plan out april the month of discoveries this spring

First, take a walk on the wild side, in your short sleeves if you dare. April 4th is the official ‘Walk to Work Day’. Truth be told, many of us live too far from work to walk there, but we can carpool and consider walking to a friend’s meet up or even walk to dinner after work.

APRIL FOOLS – ROAD MAP

You can make this holiday event work for your feet, your heart health and grow your community. On the heel’s of your extra walk is April 7th – World Health Day. Started by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950, World Health Day marks the beginning of an international awareness campaign that brings to light one health issue each year.

2025 – A YEAR OF APRIL FOOLS

This year with so many changes, their 2025 mission appropriately focuses on healthy mothers and babies, acknowledging they are “the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping ensure hopeful futures for us all.” Supporting the health of mothers and children everywhere helps us all.

We can all start at home and work our way out into the community. And, that leads us to celebrating our great mother earth on Earth Day, April 22nd. Did you know this year marks the 25 year anniversary of Earth Day and is still to this day, the largest secular day of protest in the world? Indeed, this is a community worth growing each and every day.

spring freezing rain storm in Ontario landscape photography by Monika Meulman

“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way.” — William Blake

By participating in any of these community celebrations, you decidedly avoid running a fool’s errand and choose wise action instead. That’s something to be proud of on Earth Day.

Lastly, end of the month our fate is sealed on April 28th election day. Whether a fool or wise wo/man be, remains to be seen. Don’t fret. Vote. Decide and take action. Then, clear your head with a must visit to High Park. (plan here)

The most beautiful part of April is just around the corner. End of this month and well into May, the Sakura Cherry blossoms will be at their peak spring bloom. Your April journey concludes here. Find a bench near the blossoming trees and pat yourself on the back. You’ve made it through the April fool’s journey. Not ready for more adventures? Take a break, read here.

BAND TOGETHER

This April, let us get together with our family, friends, open hearts, on strolls in the park, at bbqs and picnics on the porch, in journeys exploring what our beautiful Canadian land has to offer and grow our community and spirit.

If we must run a ‘fool’s errand’, may it be one that is full of hope.