After an incredibly hectic and busy October, I’m looking ahead to a (slightly) quieter month ahead.  I do still have a lot on my plate at work, but it’s mostly writing, which is much more my jam – quieter, more deliberative.  And I am hoping that means that I can get a little bit of balance back.  After the month I just wrapped up, my life is in a bit of a shambles.  The house is trashed, the fridge looks insane, there are to-be-wrapped gifts scattered all over the dining room and a mile-long list of errands that I need to run.  I need to re-calibrate, take care of the life stuff that needs taking care, and get a little more time back for me.  To that end, my November agenda includes:

• Hitting the gym at least twice a week, and running at least twice a week.  I’ve missed movement.
• Cooking up a big batch of veggie stew, and not including any pasta.  I always forget how soggy and gross noodles get when I toss them in my homemade soups.
• Getting a (sorely needed) haircut, and making an appointment with my dentist.
• Prioritizing time with the kiddos.  I don’t like missing bedtime!
• Related: family dinners.
• Hopping back on the decluttering bus.  It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted anything to Buy Nothing.
• Putting in a morning of organizing my calendar and files at work and at home.  It’s just easier to keep track of everything when those things are up-to-date.
• Hiking at least twice.  I need regular nature time or I don’t feel like me.
• Lighting candles.  I love their flickering glow.
• Spending Thanksgiving with family and friends.
• Baking bread again.  Having my hands in dough is good for my soul.
• Getting a massage, because I think I deserve it.

Yes, October was a long and stressful month.  I’m glad it’s behind me, and when I get a little distance and the fog clears from my brain, I know I will be proud of the work I did.  I’m just really ready to feel somewhat balanced again.

How do you self-care?