Fall is such a glorious time. Beautiful skies (and trees now that I reside near mountains 🍂), pumpkin spice everything (no shame here), gloriously crisp weather? So much yes. I want to hold onto it. I want to pause. I want to sit in this season for a little while longer.
It’s interesting, this need to pause specifically in this season. Turns out, there’s a name for it: the October Theory. If you search it, you’ll find that a lot of posts focus on feeling a sense of urgency as the year ends to set new, SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) which gives nothing but New Year’s Resolution vibes. Maybe there’s a time and place for that (opinions for another day), but I’ve gotta tell you, that’s definitely not my jam in this cozy season.
This month, I’ve personally been feeling a pull toward assessing my habits, routines, and mindset. I want to feel good as I close out this year and enter into a new one, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I want to be present and soak it all in. I want to do more of the things that bring me peace and give me energy. And I want to recognize that all of this is fluid - there’s no pressure to hold onto any of the cozy shifts I might make.
My October reflections
Workday grind. As of April, I was working every night and weekend to stay on top of work. Now I barely breathe during the workday, but I also rarely work evenings and hardly think about work on the weekends. I count this a win, but I intend to let go of some perfection and be okay with just okay performance for my sanity and well-being.
Yoga. Seriously, yoga feels like home to me. When I go to a studio yoga class, the immense joy I feel is mind-blowing every time. I want more of that. I need more of that. I don’t want to stress over attending a certain number of classes each week, but instead I want to pay close attention to my moods. When I start to feel a little down regardless of reason, I’m scheduling a class.
Weekend adventures. Lately, we’ve been taking little day trips to nearby CO towns. We’ve chased fall colors, hit up random little coffee shops, and seen some incredible CO landmarks. More of these low-pressure adventures are on the list. If we wake up and feel like exploring, off we shall go. Otherwise, coffee and puzzles at home it is.
Letting my kid be four. Now that our child can communicate with words (and eye-rolling) so well, it can be difficult to remember that he’s only four. This is a time for him to be free and express himself and push boundaries (as infuriating as that may be) in a safe space. My intention is to let go of my own expectations and (try to) simply explore the world with him (while convincing him rolling your eyes at mom is not cool).
This. If we are talking about things that give me energy, it’s writing to you and hearing your thoughts in return. It’s chatting with friends through important topics on a podcast. I’d like to do more of that when the creativity hits. I am so thankful to you for allowing me a space to share and for sharing in return. I hope this space brings you the energy that it brings me ✨
Three days left
What routines are working for you, bringing you peace, filling you with energy? What thoughts are holding you back? What would you like to do more of? What small adjustments can you make to feel good?
As we close out October, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this cozy version of the October Theory. Will you sit in this season with me and dream up low-pressure shifts and intentions?
