This fall I am taking a break from writing and publishing. I am choosing to slow down. I will take more time to snuggle my kids close and enjoy handicrafts. I have an ambitious stack of books to read (with some new teas to try). I want to listen to more podcasts and audiobooks. I have decided this will be a time to gather. And since we did not plant a garden this year it will be a gathering of resources and ideas. I need some fresh inspiration.
So, here are some posts for you all (from the archive) that I hope will be helpful in this season. 🍁💙
Fall Posts from the Blog:
Here are some articles for you as embrace this beautiful season of change and slowing down.
I read through these books looking for inspiration for my fall semester and the start of the school year. I hoped to find some reasons why I do this difficult work. Some motivation to continue on with fortitude and grit.
So much of my work is invisible and long-term. It can be hard to see progress or results in the daily activities of motherhood, homeschooling, and writing. I need to lean on the wisdom of others to keep me moving forward into what matters to me. > > > read more…
The Arizona desert does not change drastically in the fall. It is a slow cooling down and not much visual change. Most of the local trees stay a dusty green color throughout the year. There are very few trees that actually show the change of the seasons in my neighborhood.
This means that I need to do some things in my own home to enjoy the new season that is on the calendar but not outside my door. My favorite way to embrace a new season (especially fall) is using the five senses. > > > read more…
Life is hard. Sometimes it just sucks. I’m sorry to be blunt but it’s true. I have had some hard seasons lately that have rocked me and stopped me in my tracks. But, I have learned beautiful things in the midst of hard circumstances too. Today I want to be extra practical for those of you who are going through a hard season. Consider this a written letter addressed directly to you with a virtual hug. 💙 > > > read more…
I used to chastise myself for not running at the optimum level all the time. Like I was a robot or a computerized human. But I have learned that efficiency is not about running at top performance all the time.
Plan and prepare now so that in the future you can just do the task. Set yourself up to “crank widgets”. Use your active brain that is in the workflow to benefit my future self who is not “in the zone” yet. > > > read more…
Are You Worn Out? How can we slow down when everything around us is moving at warp speed? Even when we manage to slow down our bodies, our souls still hum with activity.
I am learning to slow down my body first and then I can slow my soul. But, I have made so many mistakes! I’ve steamrolled over so many situations, loved ones, conversations, and life lessons.
What does it feel like when you are able to relax completely and quiet your busy mind?
If you are like me slowing down is a struggle. Here are some ways that I find rest in my busy home and this non-stop world. > > > read more…
Questions for the Your Journaling:
What does this season look like outside where you live? What does it smell like?
How does it look different in your home? What textures are different or what smells do you notice?
What are you creating just for the fun of it? What hobbies do you enjoy in the fall?
Is this a hard season for you? What are you doing to take care of yourself and your home?
Is your home a peaceful place to rest and restore your soul?
My Prayer for You:
Lord Jesus,
Help us embrace this season. Show us how to slow down and enjoy the changes in nature and in our homes. Help us to see the things that we waste time and energy on. Show us how to make an impact in the lives of those around us in simple ways. Help us to choose love, kindness, and generosity. Give us the courage to make some changes this fall. Meet us as we pray, journal, take walks with chilly air, and snuggle with our kids. Let this season of change be a time of closeness with You God.
Amen
🍁🍂🍵Happy Fall! – April
Photos by Maria, Daiga Ellaby, Annie Spratt and others on Unsplash