September

For many of us, this week marks the unofficial “back to school” season—even if we don’t have kids in school. Routines shift, lunches need packing (ugh, again?), kids are signed up for activities, and everything at work seems to ramp up.

I’m not going to lie—I love fall. The cool, sunny days, all things pumpkin and apple, and the coziness of sweaters and scarves.

But I also know what’s coming.

The darker days. The rainy spells. The looming edge of winter. That’s when I find myself dusting off my SAD lamp and bracing for the emotional dip that sometimes arrives with the season.

So, here’s my gentle question for you:

Are you being kind to yourself?

Are you taking even a few moments each day to pause and breathe?
To check in with yourself—not just your to-do list?

Are your expectations of yourself realistic? Or are you stuck in that all-too-familiar loop of trying to keep everything afloat at home and at work, so much so that your own needs have slipped to the bottom of the list?

We often put ourselves last, especially in busy seasons. But that’s when taking care of ourselves matters the most.

Maybe that looks like stopping mid day and enjoying a tea....Maybe it’s saying “no” to one more commitment this week....Maybe it’s letting the laundry wait a little longer so you can take a walk, call a friend, or just rest.

This season, let’s try to remember: “doing our best” doesn’t mean doing everything.

So if you’re feeling a bit frazzled, you're not alone. Be gentle with yourself. Talk to yourself in the same way you talk to your best friend. Adjust where you can. And when in doubt, take a breath—and ask yourself what you need right now.

You’ve got this.