As the calendar inches closer to Thanksgiving, I can already feel that familiar mix of excitement and pressure building inside me. I love the holiday…the food, the coziness, the laughter floating through the house, the way my family fills a room with stories and warmth. However, I’ve also learned that if I’m not mindful, the day can become overwhelming fast. So, I chose to prepare not just the menu, not just the house, but my mind and heart for the holiday ahead as well.

There’s a certain stillness that arrives toward the end of the year. The air feels cooler, the days grow shorter, and life seems to gently nudge me inward…to reflect, to realign, and to remember what truly matters. Every year around this time, I find myself sitting with a warm drink, looking back on the months behind me. There’s always so much that’s happened. Joys I didn’t expect, challenges I didn’t plan for, moments of growth I didn’t see coming.

Autumn has always been one of my favorite seasons. I absolutely love the colors, the cozy clothes, the crisp air that feels like a fresh start. However, it’s also one of the busiest times of year. The start of a new school year, new goals for my small business and Etsy shop, appointments left and right. Before I know it, I’m running on iced coffee and to-do lists.

We have the right to protect our energy, our time, and our mental health. The more we practice, the more natural it will feel.