Hi Reader,

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my annual fall effort to simplify, my general failure at doing so this time of year, and the inevitable near panic attack I have as the season unfolds.

It gets busy this time of year for most of us. Our schools expect more, our kids expect more (costumes! gifts! parties!), we expect more of ourselves (I mean, I am decorating for no less than 5 holidays and a birthday in the next few months).

I start out with the absolute best intentions. "This year I will not strive for perfectionism. I won’t let it get to me. I will not be burnt out by December."

And, while it is only October 14th, I feel good about this year. I am actually simplifying.

We are in it. And I am not feeling all that stressed. At least not yet.

Maybe it’s because we have a better rhythm than we’ve had before or I’ve simplified my meal planning to near boredom (only 1 new meal a week and all meals pre-planned for the month).

Maybe we’ve been doing this homeschool thing long enough that I’m used to it.

Or maybe I just said “F it!” and care a lot less about perfectionism, the dust on the shelves, and the expectations of others.

Whatever it is, I’m being intentional about it. I’m working on simplifying.

In doing so, I went back to the list I wrote ages ago, 101+ Ways to Simplify Your Life. It’s reminded me to focus on single-tasking and lowering the bar this season.

The costumes don’t need to be perfect (but they do need to be done. Slow and steady here). We don’t need to visit every single awesomely decorated Halloween house in our area (maybe one or two) or go to every cool spooky event.

I’m doing one thing that’s been on my list for a while each week. Last week it was to hit publish on my everything page. This week, we’re getting the roof done! It feels incredible to knock one of these lingering projects off the list!

I’m going to keep referring to this list as the season unfolds and reminding myself to let go, prioritize rest and simple traditions, and get outside no matter what.

We’ll see how I’m feeling by January, but for now, I’m feeling quite optimistic.

You?

Yours in simplicity,

PS Now that I’ve published my Everything page, I want to tell you about it.

So, each day for the next week or so, I’m going to highlight a product that I think you’ll love in hopes that you’ll check it out.

If you use the coupon code FALL24, you’ll get 20% off everything. Including 101+ Ways to Simplify Your Life for just $7.20.

PPS If you purchase 101+ Ways this month, and want to upgrade to the Raising Slow Membership, you’ll get your first month free (and get it for $19/ month instead of the $29 it's listed at). You can read more about it here.

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