There’s just something about September isn’t there? As summer’s end greets autumn’s beginning, another season begins. Harvest is slowing, and we’re beginning the slower, softer storage season. Like the animals, this is a time to store up and prepare for winter’s sabbath.

September, autumn’s birth month, is a time to slow, savor, and practice self-care. Self-care doesn’t mean caring selfishly about your self. Not at all. Self-care instead refers to caring for one’s mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Think of it like this, if you’re rushed, starved, dehydrated, lonely, and spiritually exhausted, then you’re going to be sick. When you’re sick, you’re unable to give your best self to those who need you. I love the analogy of the teapot: an empty teapot cannot fill empty teacups. However, if the teapot itself is full, then the teapot may pour out refreshing tea to fill teacups. If I’m properly nourished and balanced physically, spiritually, and mentally, then I can offer my best self to others.

And let me tell you—last month, I was far from my best self. Ask those who live with me; it wasn’t pretty. Harsh words spewed from a raised voice that no princess of grace should ever speak. Guttural cries rooted in an anguished soul. I was imbalanced. I’d stopped caring for myself. So, trying to squeeze just a drop of refreshment from a withered, empty self, I cracked. Shattered would probably be more accurate.

Here we are, then. September. As Autumn is birthed, it’s a re-birth of sorts for me too. A re-set.

This month, this season, I’m committed to not only storing up for winter, but also for re-storing balance in my life. Restoration. Whole. Balanced. Complete. Full.

My Re-storing Plan:

• Nourish my body with whole, healing foods
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
• Have daily tea times and rituals
• Journal, read, write
• Slow down, way down
• Linger long at family meals
• Take time to listen
• Practice yoga daily
• Forget power walks and take meditative nature walks
• Follow the sun for sleep rhythms
• Eat seasonally
• Be quiet and still; listen for God
• Do things that make me happy
• Find ways to make others smile
• Forgive; release resentment
• Date my husband
• Write long letters
• Say no when needed
• Stick to my housework routine so as not to grow overwhelmed
• Light candles
• Take long, hot soaks in the tub