September has been a whirlwind.
Between work, the barn, making plans, getting out when I can, and trying to squeeze in as much as possible before my life gets a little quieter, I feel like I’ve barely had a chance to catch my breath.
And now, on the last Wednesday of the month, it’s time to officially slow down.
Today is my surgery day, and while I’m sure there will be moments when I’m ready to get back to my normal routine, I’m also trying to find some gratitude in being forced to pause.
Because how often do we actually give ourselves permission to slow down?
There’s always another email to answer, another errand to run, another place to be, another thing that could be added to the to-do list. It’s easy to keep putting yourself somewhere near the bottom of it.
I’ve realized lately that prioritizing yourself doesn’t always mean doing something big or indulgent. Sometimes it means listening to what you need, saying no, staying home, resting, or simply admitting that you don’t have to do everything.
And maybe that’s one of the things I’m most grateful for about this pause: it’s giving me a chance to put myself first for a little while without feeling guilty about it.
I’m looking forward to slow mornings, cozy days at home, catching up on shows, reading, and having nowhere I need to be. I’m looking forward to giving myself permission to rest without feeling like I need to earn it first.
After a September that felt like it flew by, maybe a little stillness is exactly what I need.
I know I’ll eventually be ready to get back to the barn, see friends, make plans, and fill my calendar again. But for now, I’m going to appreciate this slower pace, and hopefully remember that taking care of myself deserves a place on my to-do list, too.
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