Hey My Beautiful Friend!

As the days tick toward the holiday season, it’s easy to feel caught in the rush—countdowns to Christmas, jolly music playing everywhere, ads for gifts and recipes filling our feeds.

Yet… in nature, there is no rush right now. Everything outdoors is settling into a cozy winter rhythm. The squirrels may still be gathering a few last nuts, and the deer are nibbling heartily to plump up for the cold months ahead. But a quiet walk in the park or a moment in your garden shows that the plants, insects, and other creatures are resting, releasing, and doing less.

I invite you to take your cue from nature. Of course, you may be preparing your home for the holidays—but before adding more, think like a tree. Before the sparkle and trimmings go up, take a moment to release what’s ready to go. Let a gust of “autumn wind” sweep through your space! Notice what feels tired, worn out, or simply not part of your life anymore. Even your pantry deserves a refresh—see what’s migrated to the back of the shelves and let it go.

When decorating, focus on warmth and sensory joy—the soft glow of candles and twinkle lights, and the comforting scents of cinnamon, clove, and pine. These touches bring bright yang energy to balance the yin stillness of the season. I love using my smart TV to play YouTube scenes of autumn forests or cozy fires; it fills my home with the golden colors of fall even on gray days.

Create your own cozy nest for the coming season—layer thicker throws, fluff up the pillows, and savor comforting foods like crisp apples and maybe a batch of pumpkin cookies fresh from the oven.

And most importantly, slow down your schedule. Gift yourself quiet moments to rest, dream, and simply enjoy the warm, nurturing space you’ve created. Like nature, this is your time to recharge before the next bright cycle begins. 🍁