Take Stock: Your Fall Wellbeing Assessment

Now that we’ve shifted from summer to fall, life has become more hectic for most of us.

How are you feeling?

Do you perceive that time is racing?

How’s your focus?

Do you feel abundant in energy, or more like you are running on fumes?

Take a few minutes to take stock 

As you end your day today I suggest you reflect on the way you feel. 

Are you content, satisfied, eager for tomorrow?

How did time feel during the day?

Reflect on your ability to stay focused. Maybe you felt scattered rather than clear. 

What energy did you feel during the day? Was your outlook positive, enthusiastic, motivated and confident, or did you feel drained, stressed and irritable?

The observations you make can help you make choices — choices to do more of some things, fewer of others, and maybe start doing things differently.

Choose a starting point to make change

I created a simple assessment tool to help you clearly see the way life is for you now. And suggestions are included for making small, gentle changes so that you can live with more joy and satisfaction.

Download my free guide here.

See which suggestion most attracts you. Test it out, and see if you can incorporate the change a few times this week.

When you make even one small change, the impact can be significant.

Then look at other ways to make a small change and see if there’s another to bring into your routine.

Your choices and commitments to yourself to take some intentional action will be the start of a life where you can sit at the end of the day and reflect on feeling spacious, nourished, accomplished and happy. 

You can use your creative power in endless ways. I invite you to start with you and your wellbeing, so that you will have a great foundation for everything you do!

Your heart is asking for space—will you listen?

I am away at a writing retreat this week. It is a gift I have given myself for 3 years — time to be in a beautiful rural place, with a great teacher, and in the company of amazing writers.

This gift of time lets me dive deep into my heart. I allow what is there to pour forth, and have often been surprised at what emerges. 

Sometimes the words flow with ease. Many times I need patience, and I often rework what first lands on the page.

This experience is always revelatory and enriching, no matter how it unfolds.

Do you create space to open your heart?

Do you consider the space you create in your life for peace?

For focus?

For rest?

For things that bring you joy?

I was perpetually busy for years on end. The idea of a week away at a retreat would have sounded impossible to me back then. I now cherish time for expression and wonder — whether at a retreat or in small bits during my week.

Most of us live distracted, hectic lives. 

We miss so much when we live this way. And we pay a steep price for it. I frequently see women buckle under the pressure when the pace of their lives becomes unsustainable.

And that can change.

First, dial down the pressure 

Here are ways to ease the grind:

Get clear about what matters most

When you are clear about what is most important to you, you can set criteria for what you want (and sometimes need) to do.

That clarity enables you to let go of things that do not match your criteria. 

Focus on what you say “yes” and “no” to

It’s time to say “yes” only to things that match your clear standards.

Even what seem like small yeses can add up to a lot of time, focus and energy. Be mindful of each time you choose to add something to your schedule or accept a request. 

Sure, there are many things you could do, and might be happy to do. It is also flattering to be invited to join an effort, or lead an initiative, or be on a board, or participate on a project.

With clarity, discernment and commitment to your wellbeing, you will build comfort in communicating your decisions.

Create more space for things that are currently on your plate that need to stay there

Create systems to simplify and streamline processes. (While I have often not found it easy to create new systems, I have asked for help, and love having systems in place that streamline my efforts.)

Get help when you need it! That help can take many forms. What expertise, or extra pair of hands, will make your life easier and reduce stress or fatigue? 

Consider the opportunities to minimize demands by extending deadlines or reducing your effort.

Next choose ways to light yourself up 

The space you are able to create offers new possibilities.

That space is precious. Even small bits of “white space” on your calendar can be quite meaningful.

Let’s say you are able to open a 15-minute window a few times each week. That’s a great start! Think about what you might do in those openings that will bring you joy.

Maybe you will sit outside and look at the sky.

Maybe you will call someone dear to you and share a laugh.

Maybe you will write a poem, or dream up a plan for an adventure, or research a topic that fascinates you.

Maybe you will choose not to fill the space, and just allow your desires in the moment guide you.

When you create delight in any way your spirit will expand.

And that can change your life more ways than you might imagine.