Each month, you will receive some practical tips on ideas such as eliminating stress, finding your passion, clearing clutter, and maybe even some travel tips and more. Also look for helpful resources including book titles and websites. In addition, don’t be surprised when you find a call to action. I am a coach, after all! I hope you find some useful tidbits monthly challenges. If you know someone that you think may find something of value in here, please forward this newsletter on. And remember…the adventure begins at the start of The Trailhead!

This issue of The Trailhead marks the start of my 4^th year since I launched the 1^st Trailhead back in October of 2002. I thank all of you who have supported me by taking time in your busy day to read my ramblings. I also thank those of you who have responded to share your thoughts about the various topics that have touched you in some way. I invite you now to share what you’d like to see more of (or less of) in upcoming issues. How could I add more value to you, my esteemed readers?

 

And The Seasons… They Go Round and Round

Welcome to the season of the Fall Equinox!  For some, the Fall Equinox is viewed as a time of balance as well as a time of change.  As the days begin to grow shorter, this seasonal change heightens awareness of our own inner changes.  It’s a great opportunity to pause and reflect and take stock of our lives.

 

Since Autumn is a season of harvest, it’s a good time to review what we have gathered into our lives. Because we tend to slow down at this time of year, it’s also a good time to get rid of any clutter, (physical or emotional) so that we can start the upcoming New Year with a clean slate. While we may feel a little wistful at the loss of summertime freedoms, getting back to a routine can offer more focus and direction and ultimately make way for other playful adventures.

 

Among my varied circles of friends, I am part of one particular group of fabulous women who gather together at the start of each new season; to not only celebrate time passages but also to celebrate our individual selves as well as each other. (And we have a heck of a good time in the process!) During our Fall Equinox gathering, we always end up having a lively discussion centering on the positive things we’ve been attracting into our lives.  We also cover the challenges we’re facing and as well as excess baggage we want to unload. It’s a great coaching discussion that elicits lots of loving support, hoots of laughter, and sometimes even a few tears. The intimacy in this sharing certainly strengthens our bonds of friendship.

 

What about YOU?  What positive things have you recently brought into you own life? What happens to you at this time of year? Do you find yourself wanting to take on new projects or become engaged in new learnings? What would you like to focus on for yourself in this new season? What will you do? Who will you connect (or reconnect) with? How will all this make you feel? Maybe you’d like to reevaluate your priorities so that you are clear about the top things you most want to give your time and attention to. Remember to schedule frequent and continued time just for YOU. (You CAN make this happen!) And remember to do whatever it takes for you to enjoy this wonderful Fall season.

Challenge at the Trailhead:

Here are some suggestions for making the most of this Fall season.

• Choose a weekend during the next the next 3 months and give yourself (and your family) the gift of a playtime weekend. Put aside all chores and errands that can wait and do whatever it is that brings you fun and adventure.
• Identify and begin to eliminate outworn habits and emotional baggage that is wearing you down.
• Begin to schedule weekly self-care breaks from now until December 31^st. (Yes, schedule them! If we don’t put them into our calendar, it’s so easy to let them slide)
• Give of your time, energy and/or $$ to those who could use your help and support.
• Give yourself permission to explore and research something absolutely new that interests you.
• Pay attention to the balance in your life and begin to make it more equal so that it is not all work and no play.

 

And…Tell a friend or family member about what you’re planning to do…someone you trust who can help keep you accountable for your positive efforts.

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On The Trailhead Bookshelf

 

The Season of Change: Using Nature’s Wisdom to Grow through Life’s Inevitable Ups and Downs by Carol McClelland, Ph.D

 

Life Launch: A Passionate Guide to the Rest of Your Life by Fredric Hudson and Pamela McLean

 

Comfort Me with Apples by Ruth Reichl

 

Second Draft of My Life by Sara Lewis

 

Until  I Find You by John Irving