August has been a heavy month. With the fourth Covid surge in Acadiana, adjusting to the back to school routine, Afghanistan, and so many of our neighbors suffering the impacts of Hurricane Ida, I have been feeling the heavy! My heart is full of both gratitude for being spared the impacts of the hurricane and sadness for loved ones that were not so lucky. I have decided to start the season of gratitude a little early and decorate the inside of my home for the fall season.
There is so much I love about fall (even if it is 97 degrees in Louisiana). I love pumpkin spice everything! Give me the pumpkin candles, soaps, coffee, and treats. The colors are so rich. I watch Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown on repeat like the good Millennial I am. Nature reminds us to let things go like the trees let go of their leaves. There are endless activities to do with the kids and the season is a great excuse to insert play into our lives! Finding the play, the joy, and the gratitude is always the answer for me when life is hard. It is not about putting a bow on it, pretending the challenges aren’t there, or toxic positivity. Play and gratitude are a coping mechanism to reframe the hard. Enjoying fall activities are a part of our annual rhythm.
“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” – Kristin Armstrong
This year, I decided to add a harvest themed tree to our fall décor. Why? Because it makes me happy! When I walk by, my heart is full and it is a reminder that the holidays are coming sooner than later. The sparkle helps every time. Since the pandemic has begun, making our home my happy place has made me feel safe and content even in the middle of a pandemic. I encourage you to find your sparkle and play to help you through the hard!
