Small Ways to Create Ease This Fall
Does it feel to anyone else like September has simply . . . vanished?
It certainly does over here.
We talked last month about how to set ourselves up for success in August, and then about how to avoid the all-out-sprint until the end of the year, which usually starts around Labor Day.
This week, let's talk about a few gentle acts of self (and collective) compassion that we can consider, as we continue to move through this busy time of year.
For ourselves:
Block out time for the things we want to prioritize amidst the chaos —whether a weekly yoga class, an evening walk, or a weekend bike ride with a friend. Put these things on the calendar now, through the end of the year.
Prioritize consciously wrapping up the work day. This means closing out what we are doing, thinking about our priorities for tomorrow, and putting a clear punctuation point on the day (versus doing the slow fade).
Celebrate small wins. . . perhaps, also writing them down.
Block out time to work on taxes early. (note to self 🙋🏼♀️)
With our friends and family:
Determine where we can decide once. Perhaps taking the same dish to all holiday gatherings, or a specific allotment for gifts.
If you do holiday cards or family photos, consider scheduling them early, maybe even now. Make it a joyful, versus a dreadful, process. And, if the idea of cards/photos doesn't feel joyful, simply let them go. I've seen so many people with so much self-inflicted guilt over these!
Consider ways to create ease around holidays and costumes and get-togethers.
If there is something we want to do (whether a pumpkin patch or a friendsgiving or a trip to see the holiday lights), block it on the calendar now, and send out a save-the-date text/email, if it involves others.
For our team:
Consider hosting holiday get-togethers during the workday (even if it's a simple coffee/donuts get-together to start the day) versus after the workday.
Aim to wrap up anything important by Thanksgiving, instead of trying to squeeze it into the chaotic weeks between Thanksgiving and the end of the year.
Aim to also make any big decisions before Thanksgiving. This reduces the likelihood of needing to hop on unexpected phone calls while attempting to prepare holiday meals with family.
