Five things bringing me joy this fall
As I rounded the corner into September, it took me a little while to find my way into a new routine. I almost felt like it was January and I had the “post-Christmas blues.” I was definitely missing summer. But after thinking about it, I realized I actually felt overloaded by my children’s new school year routine. In years past, I didn’t feel that overwhelmed by the amount of scheduled time. But this year was another level. And it was an abrupt change to my rhythm. So with a little thought I tried to jump-start myself into a positive place. I could do my best to manage my time while the kids were at school and treat myself to an occasional night out to “fill my cup” with as much fun as possible. I’m sharing what I did and how it helped me. Here’s to hoping this gives you a push to do the same!
- Spontaneous outings with friends – Sometimes I need a little kick to loosen up and be spontaneous. One of my girlfriends offered to take me to Elton John. I knew he was coming to town and with all the hectic activity at the end of the last school year, I didn’t pull the trigger and buy tickets. But thanks to a good friend’s generosity, I got a chance to boogey on a week night and I’m so glad I did!
2. Fall harvest – I love good food! Don’t we all? I’m trying this vegetable delivery service. It’s helping me get creative and try some new recipes and the produce comes from a local farm. I’ve been able to encourage my kids to try new foods and it’s helped them not be picky eaters. It’s much easier to travel and embrace the cuisine wherever you’re visiting if your kids are open to a variety of different foods. If you’re close to Charleston, check out The Twenty Bag! They have various pick-up locations around the area.
3. Food preparation – I’m trying to prep a few basics like chopping up raw veggies and grilled chicken. There are moments throughout the week where either the kids need a quick snack before a game or I’m running to an appointment and need to grab a bite on the fly. Having these staples ready to go in the fridge every week means I can make healthier choices.
4. Reading – Sometimes it is hard for me to let go of summer. After all, it’s my favorite season. One of my favorite places to visit is Italy and my mind often wanders back to some of our best moments traveling there this summer. I’m re-reading these two books that vividly recreate what it’s like to live in Tuscany. It slows down my mind and relaxes me so I can unwind at the end of the day.
5. Fitness routine – I often have to switch gears with whatever active workout I’m doing. I stick with pilates and yoga year round, but this fall I started Spenga. It’s a concept that includes 20 minutes of spinning, 20 minutes of weights and 20 minutes of yoga. I thought it would be fun to try and find a class that Harry and I could do together. We’ve enjoyed hiking together for years, but our fitness outlets have always been different. He’s a runner and I’m a walker and neither of us have ever done much on a stationary bike. So this year we signed up for this spinning workout and we really enjoy meeting up twice a week to sweat it out. It gives us accountability, there is fun music and it’s done and dusted in an hour.
"Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It's the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events....Joy comes in sips not gulps."
Sharon Draper
