I live on the East coast, in the Metro Washington DC area. Last week, as I took my Yorkie Bella for her 7:00 a.m.  walk I had a reality check. The moment I got outside, dressed in my tank top and yoga pants; cool air met me.

 Yes, Fall is in the air.  Granted a few warmer days remain, but the weather has definitely shifted, the leaves have begun to turn and the days are getting noticeably shorter.   We are working from home, homeschooling, ordering and picking up items at the curb and adjusting to this new normal. It’s a lot to manage, but don’t forget to take care of YOU first.  We can only serve others from a full cup, so fill yourself up before you take on the world.

As we approach this new season, here are a few items I offer for your consideration.  As usual, take what you need and leave the rest.

 

10. Remove toxic people from your life.  This does not need to be a major proclamation to them, but just limit the time you spend with “Debbie Downer” and “Negative Nancy.” These unhappy people will drain your energy and throw you off track.  If the people around you only find the negative aspects of life, cut them off immediately and find some positive influences. Energy grows where energy goes.

 

9. Create a gratitude journal. Each night, write down, or save in your phone,  three things you are grateful for.  As long as you are still alive and able to read this article, you have something to be grateful for. Focus on what you have, and your blessings.  There is always someone who has much less.

 

8. Make it your business this Fall to learn more about another culture.  Take this beyond trying a different food or watching a movie. Read, study, and learn more about another way of life. You might be surprised to find out the similarities.

 

7. Give away/recycle/dispose of one thing daily you are not using. This can be clothes, old plastic food containers. mail that needs clearing out, old books. If the item can be used, pass it along to a thrift shop or consignment shop. If not, dispose of it, with the earth and environment in mind.  

 

6. Put into practice a daily spiritual habit. Problems in life come and go but you can’t allow those troubles to define you.  Make certain you soul and spirit are grounded. Keep your mind on whatever higher power you believe and ask for guidance

 

5.  Spend more time doing YOU. Stop judging others.  The other day I ran across a social media post of a colleague, who announced they had a new position.  I spent 19 minutes reading about this person and even Googled their previous employer to see the reason they no longer worked there.  Then it dawned on me… none of this is your concern  Renee’. How does this impact or enhance your life?  How often do we waste time reading, watching and listening to other people live their lives?   Do more YOU and less of everyone else.

 

4. Forgive yourself.  A self-help guru I admire a great deal said forgive yourself 100 times, and then when those run out, hit reset.  We have all made mistakes and errors in judgment. Holding onto them does not serve any purpose and it keeps you in a negative place. Learn the lesson, forgive ALL involved parties, including family and friends,  and most important forgive yourself. 

 

3. Begin/maintain a daily exercise routine.  Walking is free and will help you gain mental clarity. Make certain you stay safe and aware of your surroundings, at all times, and of course protect yourself.   There are numerous websites with online session for everything from yoga to Pilates. If you miss a day, no worries just pick up where you left off the following day.

 

2.   VOTE November 2, 2020 as if your life depends on it. Enough said.

 

1. Continue to protect your health and the health of others by wearing a face mask/covering while in public. We are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic, although I think some people are forgetting that.   COVID-19 and its impact on the human body is still very uncertain.  Don’t forget to maintain social distance of 6 feet and keep your immune system boosted with nutritious foods, regular excise and a positive attitude. 

 

Stay focused,

Renee’ Charlow

M.F.A. Theatre; M.P.S. Creative Art Therapy  (ABT)

 

Upcoming publications:

Dance we Do: A Poet Explores Black Dance by ntozake shange (afterword author)

Available October, 2020

             

 

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