October is the FAVORITE month for many. 

It’s when temps dip, leaves drop, and bonfires blaze. We prep for changing weather, we organize, and we assess improvements—within our homes and within us. 

We decorate with dried cornstalks, delight in pumpkin spice everything, and indulge in festive traditions of hayrides, carving pumpkins and spooky movies. 

And as we enjoy these moments, many of us also build upon the positive momentum of cozy fall vibes. We seek additional methods toward fulfillment at home. Toward organizing our lives before the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. We pull sweaters from storage, clean closets, and slip on our fave fall boots (yaasssss!!). 

As you indulge in this time of celebrating, organizing, and assessing, take a few moments to pat yourself on the back. For a moment, think of the journey behind you. Why? To fully embrace the road traveled to where you stand right now. Right here. In this moment.

Feel pride. In yourself, in your endurance, and in your ability to overcome. Recognize the growth within. 

Your past is the recipe to becoming YOU. Don’t merely see fault in the mirror. If I just glance at my reflection? I see a scar. I see some wrinkles making an abode around my eyes … I see imperfections. But then I remember to look more closely. 

Then, I feel gratitude. I’m grateful for my scar as it reminds me that doctors can eradicate cancerous tissue. And wrinkles? They’re inevitable in us all. It means we’ve lived. And it means we’re still here to celebrate another day. To see another sunrise. To celebrate yet another October in our lives. 

Embrace scars; they represent overcoming what was meant to harm us. And wrinkles? It’s life. We’re still kicking, and we’re celebrating. Let’s make it a habit to really SEE what’s before us. Let’s be proud of our pathways, no matter how rocky they may have been. And today, let’s stand tall. Let’s smile. Let’s acknowledge the past, but keep eyes focused ahead, on the future. And pour another pumpkin spice treat to toast another October in your book. 

Happy October, friends.