Hi Reader,

Right around this time of year, we all notice the leaves and cooler days (although we almost certainly have a few more 100-degree beach days in our future). We're well set with our school and extracurricular schedules. Things feel... easy.

Then, I get the first note about Halloween. And start thinking decorations, costumes, party plans... From then on, we ramp up through Harvest festival, family birthdays, Thanksgiving... you know the drill. It's inescapable.

I love all of it. It brings an enormous amount of joy. My kids' faces alone fill me up.

But, my stomach immediately tightens. I know what I'm in for the next few months. It gets exhausting.

And every year, I say the same thing. "This year, I won't let it overwhelm me."

And you guessed it. By January, I am overwhelmed, completely over it, somewhat resentful, and wondering "what happened? Where did the time go? How did I let it get so overwhelming?"

So, like every year, I'm reminding myself, I don't have to do it all. Nothing (literally nothing) needs to be Pinterest perfect (or even all that great). And no matter how much (or little) I do, this season will be magical.

The difference between all those years and this one?

I'm planning now. I have my sewing machine out to get the costumes and school holiday crafts started. I'm eliminating. We decided to do one half birthday party in the summer this year instead of two fall and winter parties (win!). I'm saying no. A lot of it. We don't need to attend every party, and I can stay home even while my kids go. I am asking for help (starting today, actually. My husband is doing a few extra errands that I overlooked.)

I'm approaching this season from a place of rest. As I look at our October calendar, I am building in blocks of empty space, intentionally. Some for the kids. More for me.

I'll let go of the frenzy and trust that it will get done. And if it doesn't? I will trust that it is ok. Not every decoration needs to be out, not every gift needs to be purchased, not every craft needs to be finished.

This email is as much of a reminder to you as it is to me that we don't have to do it all. It's the type of personal pep talk that is the origin of Raising Slow. A note to you, as much as a way to hold myself accountable to live this life that I so value.

I hope you'll join me in slowing down and allowing some ease into this beautiful but sometimes overwhelming time of year. And if you have any tips to slow it down, I'd love to hear them.

PS In an effort to do less, I won't be doing any big fall promotions or launches like I've done in the past. But I am putting together something small and evergreen. I hope it's ready next week.