This week I made my first batch of applesauce (in 90 degree weather), bought a new fall candle, and floated in the lake. A beautiful mix of Summer & Fall. While I want to hold on to Summer sunshine & weather as long as possible, I’m craving the fresh rhythms and routines that Fall brings.
Fall is my favorite season, there is something about back to school that has me longing for bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils and a crisp new planner (nerd alert!).
In honor of the beginning of a new month & season, I wanted to share my favorite resources for prioritizing, organizing, and fall rhythms. I hope they encourage you to take a few moments to spend some time to reflect, refresh, and cutivate a life you love.
If you have known me for any length of time, you know I’m a huge believer in Powersheets and the mission of Cultivate What Matters. Not only are the products fun, bright, and intentional, but the women who are apart of team Cultivate are some of the most powerful & purposeful ladies I know. I have been doing Powersheets for 7 years now and they have have allowed me to define and be focused on what matters and let go of the rest.
My Powersheets have helped me set big goals like saving for my first home and smaller ones like getting back in the pool and swimming for 30 minutes non-stop. Even if you aren’t into traditional “goal setting” I encourage you to look into Powersheets or check out the Cultivate Blog for encouragement.
Their new collection launches in October, and I can’t wait to see what their team has dreamed up!
2. Get Your Life Back Guide by Diana Kerr
My amazing friend Diana is a Certified Life Coach and such a gift to me (and so many others). I worked with her several years ago during a season where there was much uncertainty and doubt in my life. Her wisdom and encouragement helped me to refocus on where God was calling me and make space to dream of a different way of life. While I know that coaching isn’t in everyone’s budget, one of my favorite resources is her weekly routine guide. I will typically revisit mine twice a year (Spring and Late Fall) or whenever I need a reset.
3. Daily/Weekly Paper Pad by Cultivate What Matters
I have always been a “planner person”. I love the crisp new pages of a day planner and would count down to my favorite designer’s launch day. Last year my schedule was in complete flux and changed on a daily basis. My planner became full of appointments, scribbles, and honestly so much confusion. I’m all for making a mess in your planner, but when you miss an appointment because you can’t read your own writing something needs to change!
I made the switch last year to keeping my life/work schedule through google cal. That way when someone calls me and I’m in the garden or when I’m on the go, I can pull out my phone and give them a quick answer.
I also know there is power in the written word. So, I have a hybrid system with keeping all my work/life appointments in google cal and then on Friday afternoon I break out my weekly planner sticky pad, reflect on the past week, catch up on todos, and write out proposed week to come.
What I LOVE about this one from Cultivate is there is a place to write my top three priorities for the week. I try to write one vocational, spiritual, and physical priority each week. A reminder that life is more than just work 🙂
4. Creative Calender by Lindsay Letters
The office wall behind my desk displays a large calendar by Lindsay Letters. On the last Friday of each month I wipe it clean and refresh for the coming month. I’ve used it for writing out schedules, goals, tasks, and even during Safer at Home my gratitude for the day.
I’m a highly visual person, so having a big calendar that gives me a snapshot of life, helps tremendously when I’m working from my home office.
The regular rhythm of wiping down the previous month’s activities is oddly therapeutic. It also gives me a chance to evaluate my schedule and ensure I have made time for what really matters and haven’t overbooked my weeks or days.
5. Work and Play with Nancy Ray Podcast
I met Nancy through Making Things Happen and Return to Rest Retreat. She is a kindred spirit and a powerhouse when it comes to working hard and resting well. Her shows are intentional, well thought out, and overflowing with helpful information. I love listening to podcasts when I’m taking a walk, doing the dishes, or just sitting on the back deck relaxing.
Some of my favorite episodes are:
