Basking on the stone steps of a huge lecture hall on my college campus, soaking up the sun on a September afternoon in '93, was just pure bliss. It was like life couldn't get any better than that right there.
September is like when you step on warm patio stones with your bare feet after a long, hot day. The scorching heat is gone, but that cozy warmth lingers, making you feel all comfy and safe down to your bones.
September is still summer, but less hot. It's filled with fun stuff to do, but less busy. It's a relaxing time that allows us to reap what we've sown, reflect on the flurry of summer, and get ready for what's coming next. A time to leave behind the past and embrace what's ahead.
So, between September '21 and September '23, life threw me a bunch of stuff to deal with -- four moves, the loss of both my parents, unplanned job changes for me and my husband, launching a book and going on a speaking tour, and then dealing with a very scary life-threatening allergic reaction that my son had. Phew!
Some of this stuff was extremely stressful and caught me off guard. Some of it was stressful, but I was going for it (a published book and a new house). But in the body, stress is stress. Even the "good" kind can lead to health issues. (This is the really important point here, folks, so stay tuned for more on this topic soon, alright?) We can't do life fueled by a constant stream of stress, even if we get a kick out of parts of it.
So, I'm really trying to relax more these days. I know my tough times aren't completely gone, but when things are calm, I'm taking a moment to appreciate all the good stuff in my life. I still have my ambitions and drive, but I'm finding a better balance in my days. I'm starting to feel more at home now that I've settled into a new house and neighborhood. I've also found my groove in a job I like. And I've dealt with the scare of almost losing my son. I'm just soaking in all the positivity while I can.
Last weekend I had this moment that really made me stop and think about gratitude. I decided to take a drive around my old neighborhood, and man, it hit me like a ton of bricks. It was like I was seeing that beautiful valley for the very first time. And I couldn't help but wonder, "Did I ever really appreciate this place when I lived here for a whole decade??" I mean, I know I liked it, but not like that. During that short drive, I felt all sorts of emotions - sadness, happiness, and a whole lot of thankfulness. I found myself both loving and missing that old home, with all its charm and memories. It was a real eye-opener. So, I made a promise to myself right then and there: I gotta do a better job of soaking in the good stuff at my new place. Every now and then, I need to just pause, take it all in, and realize how fortunate I am, how much beauty is all around me, and how peaceful life can be. Give it a try! You'll dig it.
So, how do I keep myself chill and balanced, you ask? Well, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. Most importantly though, I'm all about making lists (pretty calming, right?). I mean, I tend to forget stuff if it's not written down, and that's definitely not a zen vibe. That's why I rock an old-school planner. Yep, I jot down three things daily: my must-dos, my nice-to-dos or future plans, and my self-care moves for the day.
Yesterday's to-do list was packed with work stuff to get through, a couple of things to keep in mind for the near future, and a note saying "Go for a run, do some shopping, and enjoy some me-time." Sometimes it also suggests taking a walk, reading a book, or checking if my hubby can grab lunch together. It might sound a bit weird to plan your relaxation time, but let's be real, how often do we just end up zoning out in front of the TV instead of doing something more fulfilling with our free time? I know I can easily fall into that trap if I'm not careful.
So, here I am in the midst of this amazing month, with just a few days left till it's officially fall. And I'm feeling that cozy warmth of September to my core.
Please enjoy these amazing photos of my new home.
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