Fall Nesting {Day 13} - Slow Down and Breathe

Every fall I end up feeling as if I'm on a roller coaster that won't stop; it seems like school starts, a week later Halloween hits, then two days later it's Thanksgiving and the next day, Christmas.

I love decorating and preparing and baking, but it's very easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the hectic seasonal mess and our own expectations of what needs to happen (which can very often be unrealistic).

Take a moment to reflect on what's actually important. I'm going to bet that winning your neighborhood's front porch decorating contest isn't on that list, especially since you probably made it up similar to how my husband is in direct imaginary competition with our neighbors for "best lawn" every summer. Nobody is going to notice if you don't carve your house numbers in pumpkins or crank out 25 delightfully time consuming neighbor gifts.

Are those things fun? I happen to think so, and perhaps you agree. But hopefully we also agree that they're not very important things. And if you notice your stress levels rising this time of year,  maybe you should consider taking a step back. Put up fewer decorations (I did), don't host Thanksgiving again (I'm not!), and consider simplifying your gift giving (or try alternative gifts... wonderful causes and general holiday warm fuzziness abounding).

This season is supposed to be fun, so if it's not... slow down and breathe. Throw on some comfortable socks (or pajamas if you want to go all out) and curl up under a blanket with a book and a warm drink.

(via Pinterest)

Or go on a walk with your family; to a pumpkin patch, to an apple orchard, or just around the block.

 (via Pinterest)

Open your windows if your weather is mild enough, smell the autumn air and breathe deeply.

(via Pinterest)

Put down your to do list and go make some memories with your family.

{Click here to see the other posts in my 31 Days of Fall Nesting series...}