Heading into Fall

It's that time of year when PSL this-and-that are all the buzz. A cool breeze accompanies most people in the evenings now (just not where I'm writing from in so-Cal). ;)

We get excited about baking, and even those on special diets can get almond flour or use oat milk or cashew butter. There are almost too many recipes to take on--between Pinterest, Tasty, and all the other fun food sites, we might even end up overwhelmed simply screening on the couch. This can be especially true for writers (who get in our heads)--full of our sticky notes and to-do lists.

Because of COVID, it's particularly important to set up a list of ways to connect with others during the holidays. We sometimes wear a badge of honor that says, "No really, I'm fine. I've got this."

But it doesn't have to be that way. With the air getting colder and the coffees and teas abounding, why don't you grab your mask and invite a friend out for a warm drink? You can sit six feet apart out on the patio if you want to, and you can pack your hand sanitizer, just in case.

The important part is actually making human contact instead of just scrolling about your social group on social media. Or texting. Or emailing. The truth is, we get so tech-centered, that we can forget what it feels like to be social around other people (anyone remember the Net with Sandra Bullock?).

On this last day of September, I who struggle personally with mental health issues, would be amiss not to challenge you to focus on your head-space as well. Part of that health check-up involves going outside your comfort zone. All that means is taking the first step to initiate plans with a friend or asking a neighbor to go walking. You could even bake cookies for your kid's teacher or a colleague at work.

Just make sure to go into the fall without falling down too hard mentally. Part of that means plotting out the weeks ahead now, while the leaves are still on the trees. Keep it simple. But get it onto the calendar.