[OCTOBER] Look Back
Hola out there!
Month 4 of the Look Backs, and it’s coming in hot! I’m a huge believer in looking back on experiences and decisions in life BUT ONLY to thoughtfully evaluate and learn from them in order to set yourself up for better outcomes as you move forward.
With that in mind, I let you in on insights, lessons, and fun or helpful things I experience in hopes that you can learn or improve, quit doing something, or adopt a new thing that works in your personal life too.
I encourage you to also do your own monthly or seasonal Look Back or reflection. If you do, tag me on social media! I’d love to see them!
[1] Persisting Mantra - “Lead from a place of curiosity instead of fear.”
Ya’ll! Fear can be something ferocious. It’s necessary but in our very comfy, cozy, generally safe environment, fear isn’t as necessary as it once was thousands of years ago. Yet, we carry it around letting it keep us from diving into all that life has to offer. (Fear - an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.) I’ve been playing a little brain game with myself by replacing fear with curiosity. (Curiosity - a strong desire to know or learn something.) By shifting my perspective to one of wonder and excitement, it instantly makes the task at hand more approachable and the energy more positive and efficient. Curiosity for the win!
[2] Biggest Influence — Good Vibes Music
I work from home in the mornings, and I’m getting into the groove of setting the mood for the day ahead by putting on music first thing in the AM as part of my routine. I love some Andy Grammer! He’s the ultimate Good Vibes doctor. He writes uplifting songs (mostly really optimistic) about love, life, and keeping a good attitude. (Keep Your Head Up is an INSTANT mood booster.) Conversely, his mom passed away several years back, so he knows pain and sings from a place of having experienced LOW and come out on the other side. He’s one of my favorite artists and always sets my mind on the right path if I’m getting down. THEN, I somehow stumbled across Alessia Cara, specifically her The Pains of Growing album, and FELL. IN. LOVE. She’s nailed every song I’ve ever heard of hers on the radio, so I already knew the caliber of her voice, but this album is a must listen. It’s really easy to put on as background music, sing along, or encourage chill vibes. (I almost exclusively played this album during our Puerto Rico trip & it may or may not have driven my husband crazy.) Between these two artists, my October playlist would easily be a mix of their best songs. If you’re into chill, positive mood, vibey tunes, add them to your playlists immediately!
[3] My Must Share — [ARIES] TODAY
If you know anything about me, you know I’m into the woo-woo, of sorts. I talk about a few great books here, including the woo-iest of them all. So, I’m sure it’s no surprise that my must share of the month is a podcast for each astrological sign. (I listen on Spotify.) Just search [your sign] Today, and it should pop up. Whether you’re a hardcore believer in following the planets and stars or think it’s for wackadoodles, I enjoy it being part of my morning routine. It’s a fun way to get my brain and mood engaged for the morning and get a little “guidance” for the day ahead.
[4] October Reflections
I used to hold fall as my favorite season growing up. I thought it was perfect - not too cold, not too hot, and I lived for the crisp air and dewy grass in the early mornings. I loved playing outside and having my stomach and arms be hot underneath my clothes while my cheeks, hands, and toes were a bit frosty. The only worries I had was getting in enough play before the street lights came on. It was just so idealistic to my little elementary school brain. As adulthood would have it, things are different on this side of life. It was 80 degrees on Halloween, my debts haunt my dreams, and I’m not quite sure if there’s a real answer to “What do you want to be when you grow up?” (It’s a trick question.) October has offered me the space to further unpack girlhood experiences, dive deeper into what family means, accept the things I cannot change, and push forward with the things I can. Of all the things October gives, I think I’m most thankful for the visual representation of letting go and shedding what no longer fits knowing that whatever you need will grow back right when you need it.
[5] Looking Ahead
Fall is still my favorite season, and I have absolutely enjoyed watching the trees do their Autumnal Show. I’m itching to get through Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear. I’ve tackled routines, but I still have a ways to go with consistency. I’m looking forward to (& I hate to admit this so early in the season) holiday decorations, although I can wait on the holiday music. I’m excited about upcoming family time, especially since I became a great aunt since my last Look Back. (Crazy, right?!) The holidays are generally about family, and that’ll definitely be the highlight of the month for me.
I LOVE Halloween! It’s probably my favorite holiday. It was different this year, not as fun in years past, so I hope yours was filled with a bit more fun than mine. :) November onward! If you have a regular reflective practice, how did October go for you? If you connected with this or think someone else can, please do good and share it with them. ;) See you in the next post!
-seria.