Well, hello September. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt like September is this sort of gentle nudge—the pause between the last golden days of summer and the cozy, familiar ambiance of fall. A subtle and quiet transition that has us excited for all that is to come. The same quiet excitement you feel when finding a new coffee shop that hasn’t been discovered by the masses and isn’t swarming with influencers snapping pics of their perfectly curated oat milk lattes and avocado toast. You know it’s only a matter of time and no offense to avocado toast. But for now, it’s this quiet little gem that feels like it’s meant just for you—though, I realize I sound like the old person in a clothing store complaining about the music being too loud. But still, you get it, right?

Anyway, September is the onset to the time of year that slowly draws us all home. It’s a time for new beginnings, slower rhythms, and a reminder to just pause. Because life wasn’t meant to feel like we are constantly just hanging on or keeping up. September just has its own kind of magic for those who take the time to notice.

Oftentimes, I find that this month can be one of two things. It can either be a time to take a breath, prepare, and savor the beginning of a new season. Or… it’s a missed opportunity, where we allow ourselves to get yanked into the holidays only to find ourselves ringing in the new year feeling completely obliterated and wondering ‘where’d all the time go’ (cue the nostalgic beats of Dr.Dog). And trust me, I’ve been there—letting the season slip away, missing the quiet moments, and feeling that familiar end-of-year overwhelm? Never again.

If we embrace it, September can be that chance to slow down before the holiday chaos hits. It’s the perfect time to prepare and go into the end of the year feeling calm, grounded, and ready—because spoiler alert, there’s nothing magical about January 1st. You can start anytime, including right now.

So, in the spirit of embracing the idea of slower living—not just surviving but actually enjoying all that is to come for the rest of this year, I’ve pulled together a handful of things I’m focusing on this month (I had the best intentions of sharing this last week, but last week was a little rough. If you hang out with me on stories, you know). And just maybe these things will be a chance for us all to find ourselves savoring September while waiting on fall.

01: Reflect on Your Priorities

First things first, let’s get clear on what actually matters to us as we wrap up the year. What are your values? What lights you up? And what’s just noise? Spend some time sorting through that. I promise it’ll help you navigate the holiday craziness without getting sucked into everyone else’s chaos.

Action Step:

Think about what you want to carry with you into the remaining months of the year and what you can let go of. Unnecessary baggage never looked good on any of us. Get out a pen, grab some paper and start making a list that would make Rory Gilmore proud. 

02: Cultivate Intentional Habits

Start simple. Whether it’s a quiet morning meditation, a walk outside, or just five minutes of stillness, implement simple daily rituals that will keep you grounded and help you stay calm and focused as the season’s endless to-do lists and social obligations start closing in. Think of it as your personal “sanity maintenance plan”. We could all use as much as we can get these days anyway, no?

Action Step:

Pick one small habit to weave into your routine this month. Maybe it’s sipping your morning tea/smoothie/choffee/coffee without distractions (turn the TV off, put your phone away) or taking a few deep breaths before bed.

03: Declutter and Simplify

This is the perfect time to clear out the clutter—physically and mentally. A well-organized space means a well-organized mind. Trust me, it’s way easier to keep your cool when things aren’t a mess. It will give you such a warm and inviting space for yourself and for loved ones that you will have in your home throughout the holiday season. Plus, it’s a lot less stressful than trying to find your sanity amidst a sea of wrapping paper and half-eaten cookies. If you know, you know.

Action Step:

Start small. Tackle one area each week, beginning with the spaces you spend the most time in. Your future self will thank you when you’re not digging through holiday decorations trying to find that one missing stocking (we’ve all been there).

P.S. For more help with this, I have previously shared how I prepare and organize my home seasonally throughout the year. You can dive into it here.

04: Savor Quiet Moments

Yes, they do exist. You just have to look for them. September can be full of those quiet, peaceful moments that help you recharge. Whether it’s an early morning before the rest of the house wakes up or a peaceful afternoon outside, soak them in and let it help restore you after keeping up with summer for the last few months.

Action Step:

Actually schedule those said quiet moments. I know, it feels counterintuitive, but block out time to do nothing (this idea can be quite shocking to those of us who were raised by a generation of people who thought resting was lazy – but give yourself time. And a support group). Maybe it’s a slow morning curled up with a good book or a solo coffee date at your favorite local cafe (hopefully sans the influencers). Whatever it is for you, make these moments non-negotiable.

05: Prepare for the Holiday Season with Intention

September is the perfect time to start thinking ahead. I’m not saying go full-on “holiday prep mode,” but at the same time? I kind of am actually. In small and simple ways like organizing your schedule, making lists, and setting some boundaries (Yes, it’s okay to say no! Or heck, move across the country). This way, you’ll be able to actually enjoy yourself this holiday season.

Action Step:

Start a master holiday list. Gifts, schedules, all of it. A little prep now will save you so much stress later. Trust me on this one. Actually, just go and download my holiday planner and you can thank me later! (Psst… it’s free)

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I guess what I’m trying to say is to embrace the deep breath that September is giving us. By doing so, we can enter the holidays feeling grounded and ready to actually savor the season instead of sprinting through it. Let this be a month of intentional living and the permission to slow down.

As autumn draws us all home, may we find comfort in the warmth and peace that this season brings.