How To Plan Your Month By The Seasons - My Monthly Planning Ritual (October)

HyggeSelf-Care

Sep 26

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Oh, the anticipation of a new month! As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, I can't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my heart. As a planner extraordinaire, I live for this moment when I get to map out my goals, tasks, and events for the upcoming weeks.

Are you a fellow planner enthusiast? If so, I know you understand the thrill of creating a list and checking off each item as it's accomplished. And if you're not quite there yet, let me assure you that there's nothing quite like the feeling of being organized and prepared for whatever life throws your way.

For me, planning brings a sense of calm and peace to my mind. I no longer fret about missing deadlines or forgetting important dates because everything is meticulously sorted out in my planner. It's amazing how much mental space is freed up when you have a solid plan in place.

So, as we approach the start of a new month, take some time to reflect on your goals and aspirations. What do you want to achieve? What tasks need to be done? And what events do you want to attend? Once you have a clear picture, grab your planner and start mapping out your month. Trust me, the feeling of accomplishment and peace of mind that comes with being organized is truly Hygge.

Welcome to October! Today, I will unveil my treasured monthly planning ritual for those kindred spirits who adore organizing their lives. Stay enthralled, for a captivating journey into the world of meticulous planning lies ahead!

01// Set Intentions:

As I survey the upcoming month and embrace the season that surrounds me, I set my heart on an intention for the feelings I wish to cultivate. October, with its crisp air and vibrant hues in the Northwest, calls for a sense of coziness, warmth, nurturing, abundance, and inspiration. With these cherished emotions in mind, I embark on my planning journey, infusing each decision and thought with the essence of these treasured sentiments.

October Intentions: A Cozy and Warm Embrace

Embrace Change with Warmth: As leaves change, let personal transformation kindle a cozy fire within.
Cultivate Mindful Moments: Nurture the mind by cherishing the present.
Pursue Fitness Goals with Abundance: Welcome a plethora of joyful activities for a healthier, happier self.
Practice Gratitude in Every Corner: Surround yourself with thankfulness for life's little treasures.
Unleash the Creative Flame: Kindle inspiration by writing, painting, or creating heartwarming masterpieces.
Nourish the Community: Offer a nurturing hand through volunteering locally in unity.
Plunge into Delightful Reads: Curl up in a snug corner and savor the warmth of stories.
Fall Cleaning with Love: Foster harmony by decluttering personal spaces to allow abundance.
Prioritize Mental Health with Coziness: Seek calm and balance; wrap your soul in mindful moments or yoga.
Nurture Heartwarming Connections: Infuse relationships with a tender touch; spend quality time with loved ones.
Savour the Beauty of Nature: Let the inspirational fall weather gently envelop you in outdoor adventures.
Discover Cozy Knowledge: Expand horizons by learning something new while nestled in the comforting embrace of curiosity.
Reflect on Eternal Light: Cherish past achievements, and warmly kindle future aspirations.
Prepare Wholesome, Seasonal Feasts: Indulge your inner chef by transforming fall produce into nourishing, heartwarming meals.

02// Food:

There's an undeniable charm in dining with the seasons, and for me, Fall holds a special place in my heart as the most enchanting time of the year for culinary delights. Each month, I eagerly explore the seasonal bounty, discovering which fruits and veggies are at their peak. As October unfolds, I look forward to indulging in comforting soups and delectable roasted veggies, warming both my body and soul with the flavors of this magical season.

. Apples

· Cranberries

· Figs

· Dates

· Pears

· Pomegranate

· Squash

· Cauliflower

· Mushrooms

· Sweet Potatoes

· Pumpkin

I also like to add in seasonal spices! Sometimes I'll use the spice and sometimes I'll use the Essential Oil (only food grade)

· Ginger

. Cinnamon

. Cloves

. Nutmeg

. Allspice

. Fennel

. Turmeric

Side note - I cannot talk about seasonal food and not share my absolute favorite Food Blog on the planet. I highly recommend checking out Half Baked Harves t! Tieghan creates ridiculously delicious meals using seasonal whole foods and I’m obsessed with her blog!

03// Activities:

I delight in immersing myself in the seasonal festivities that each month has to offer. This month, I'll be weaving a tapestry of autumnal adventures – from frolicking in a pumpkin patch to navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze. My calendar will be adorned with invigorating hikes that showcase nature's vibrant palette, pumpkin carving sessions that awaken the artist within, and the local Fall Street Festival, where community spirit comes alive (pro tip: Facebook is a treasure trove for discovering nearby events!).

October Activities for a Cozy, Inspired Month

Leaf Peeping: Step outside and enjoy the vibrant fall foliage in parks or on nature trails.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch: Embrace the delight of the season by visiting a local pumpkin farm.
Apple Picking: Enjoy bonding with family and children while harvesting fresh apples.
Autumn Baking: Bake pies, pumpkin bread, or apple cider donuts for a warm, cozy treat.
Create DIY Fall Decor: Celebrate the season with creative homemade décor like wreaths or painted pumpkins.
Attend Fall Festivals: Take part in local festivals celebrating the harvest season.
Throw a Bonfire Night: Gather around a bonfire, share stories, and enjoy roasted marshmallows.
Explore Corn Mazes: Engage in friendly competition to navigate communal corn mazes.
Haunted House Tours: If you're into spooks, visit a haunted house or take part in a ghost tour.
Hot Chocolate Nights: Relish the warmth of homemade hot cocoa while wrapped in a snuggly blanket.
Hike in the Forest: Breath in the crisp autumn air while exploring natural beauty.
Plan a Cozy Movie Night: Watch Halloween or fall-themed movies snuggled up with popcorn and blankets.
Carve Pumpkins: Showcase your creativity by carving or decorating pumpkins.
Harvest Dinner Party: Host a dinner party with a menu filled with seasonal produce and comfort food.
Knitting/Crocheting: Start a project to create something warm and cozy, like a scarf or blanket.
Write Letters of Gratitude: Express your feelings by writing heartfelt letters to loved ones.
Outdoor Photography: Capture the stunning colors of fall with your camera.
Visit a Farmers Market: Sample the season's freshest produce and support local growers.
Prepare for Winter: Winterize your home and wardrobe in anticipation of colder months.
Start a Book Club: A perfect excuse to sip warm drinks, discuss interesting reads, and enjoy good company.

04// Holiday's/ B-day's / Celebrations:

Festive occasions, birthdays, and jubilant celebrations hold a special place in our hearts. To ensure that none of these precious moments slip through the cracks, I meticulously etch them into my calendar. By setting aside time well in advance, I can effortlessly orchestrate each event, crafting unforgettable memories that will be cherished for years to come.

05// Work:

As the month unfurls, I'll ignite the spark of intention, shaping the atmosphere I desire within my business. With the rhythm of the season as my guide, I'll embrace new promotional opportunities and hone my focus on delivering unparalleled value to my cherished customers and devoted blog followers. As I reflect on the triumphs and lessons of the previous month, I'll forge a path of continuous improvement. Carving out sacred time in my calendar, I'll meticulously craft a blueprint for my business's success in the coming weeks.

06// **Kids:

Though I may not have children of my own, my two-decade-long tenure as a Family Assistant in Seattle has bestowed upon me a wealth of insights to share with those nurturing young minds. As I collaborated with families and their little ones, I would orchestrate a symphony of seasonal crafts, delectable baking and cooking escapades (homemade applesauce from our hand-picked apples remained an unwavering favorite!), and tailor-made outings catering to the children's whims and fancies. Additionally, I'd ensure that our thirst for knowledge was quenched with visits to the library, where we'd delve into the enchanting world of seasonal literature.

October Activities for Kids

1. Apple Picking: Take a trip to a nearby orchard and let the kids experience the joy of picking fresh apples. They can learn about different apple varieties and enjoy tasting their picks.
2. Pumpkin Patch Visit: Head out to a local pumpkin patch where children can choose their own pumpkins for carving or decorating. Many farms offer additional activities like hayrides and corn mazes.
3. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of fall-themed items for the kids to find outdoors, such as colored leaves, acorns, pinecones, or different types of trees. This activity promotes exploration and appreciation for nature.
4. Leaf Crafts: Collect vibrant leaves during a nature walk, and then bring them home to create leaf rubbings, leaf collages, or even leaf animals. This artistic activity allows children to embrace the beauty of autumn and get hands-on with nature.
5. Fall Baking: Get into the kitchen and bake delicious fall treats like apple pie, pumpkin bread, or maple cookies. Kids can help measure ingredients, mix the batter, and enjoy the heavenly aroma filling the house.
6. Scarecrow Building: Let the kids channel their inner creativity by building their own scarecrow. They can gather old clothes, stuff them with hay or leaves, and decorate it with funny or spooky faces.
7. Campfire Nights: As the weather cools down, gather around a cozy campfire in the backyard. Make s'mores, share spooky stories, and admire the starry autumn sky together.
8. Fall Themed Movie Night: Plan a movie night featuring family-friendly fall films like "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," or any other autumn-inspired movies. Provide comfy blankets and snacks for a cozy evening.
9. Leaf Pile Jumping: Rake a big pile of leaves and let the kids have a blast jumping into them. This classic activity never fails to bring giggles and joy to both young and old.
10. Costume Creation: Encourage kids to design homemade costumes for Halloween or a fall-themed costume party. They can create outfits inspired by their favorite animals, superheroes, or even their favorite fall elements like leaves or pumpkins.

07// Personal Intentions:

With my trusty journal as my confidant, I embark on a journey of introspection. I'll relish the moments spent pondering my personal growth, and envisioning the path that lies ahead. Gratitude bubbles within me as I cherish the successes of the previous month, and I'll dive into the depths of my soul to uncover areas ripe for transformation and growth. Amidst this self-exploration, I'll also cast my gaze upon the grand tapestry of my life, for it is within this broader context that I can truly appreciate the intricacies of my own story.

08// Bath:

As the day's curtain falls, I indulge in a luxurious, soul-cleansing bath. Submerged in the warm embrace of water, I allow the remnants of the past month to gently dissolve away. With each ripple and steamy caress, I imbue my senses with the invigorating intentions of the unfolding month, ready to embrace the novel experiences and opportunities that lie ahead.

Want to know the secrets of my ultimate bath ritual? Cosy up and click here.