Calm Before The Storm

October is a bit like the calm before the storm. We still have warm days to enjoy before the cold sets in and the dance of the leaves falling from the trees causes a sweet hypnosis--nature cuing us to slow down and conserve our energy for the cold months ahead. 

I like to treat October as a rejuvenation period. A time to slow down and and indulge in things that I love to do, before my focus shifts toward the holidays and parties and buying gifts for others. Take the time in the coming weeks to read a good book, take hot baths, have naps in the afternoon or maybe even take a sick day from work and sit on the couch watching your favorite TV shows and eating chocolate. When was the last time you took a day for yourself? It really is so important that we remember to do this from time to time. When we take care of ourselves first, we can better take care of others. 

I read today in the book Simple Abundance: A Daybook Of Comfort And Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach, a wonderful list for coping with stress. It fits nicely with the idea of October as a self care month. I wanted to share it with you here and maybe even encourage you to treat it like one of those daily challenges that are so popular right now. I plan to pause and reflect on a suggestion from the list every day until I've made it through to the end. 

~ Cultivate gratitude. 

~ Carve out an hour a day for solitude.

~ Begin and end the day with prayer, meditation, reflection.

~ Keep it simple.

~ Keep your house picked up.

~ Don't overschedule.

~ Strive for realistic deadlines.

~ Never make a promise you can't keep.

~ Allow an extra half hour for everything you do.

~ Create quiet surroundings at home and at work.

~ Go to bed at nine o'clock twice a week.

~ Always carry something interesting to read.

~ Breathe - deeply and often.

~ Move - walk, dance, run, find a sport you enjoy.

~ Drink pure spring water. Lots of it.

~ Eat only when hungry.

~ If it's not delicious, don't eat it.

~  Be instead of do.

~ Set aside one day a week for rest and renewal. 

~ Laugh more often.

~ Luxuriate in your senses.

~ Always opt for comfort.

~ If you don't love it, live without it.

~ Let Mother Nature nurture.

~ Don't answer the telephone during dinner.

~ Stop trying to please everybody.

~ Start pleasing yourself.

~ Stay away from negative people.

~ Don't squander precious resources: time, creative energy, emotion.

~ Nurture friendships.

~ Don't be afraid of your passion. 

~ Approach problems as challenges.

~ Honor your aspirations.

~ Set achievable goals.

~ Surrender expectations.

~ Savor beauty.

~ Create boundaries.

~ For every "yes" let there be a "no."

~ Don't worry; be happy.

~ Remember, happiness is a living emotion. 

~ Exchange security for serenity.

~ Care for your soul.

~ Cherish your dreams.

~ Express love everyday.

~ Search for your authentic self until you find her.

I hope you find this list inspiring and put a few of its suggestions into action. I'm off to read a book by the fire now!

~Love & Light ~