I love September; it has always been the month that embodied transformation – the leaves change colors, the weather cools, animals start prepping for the longer and darker months ahead, and we begin to enter into a state of reflection. The world seems to slow down a bit to let you catch up with it.

It’s almost as though September was specifically created for us to take a deep breath and sit in the calmness that we crave throughout the early months. And when you’ve had a chance to center yourself again, you can then begin to prepare for a new beginning with a clear mind.

Can’t you see why I love September?

This year has been a series of unfortunate events *cue Lemony Snickets*. Honestly, for a while there I was unsure if recovery was a feasible reality. But as time progressed, one word kept popping into my head: perseverance.

We are surviving 2020, month after month, and we have yet to give up hope. It isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Most of us are getting by because we are partaking in double dosages of self-care. Now we all know what self-care means to us in individually and what we need to do to make ourselves feel good, to smile. But life happens and we lose track of the days and before you know it, weeks (and even months) can pass before you realize that you’re overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out.

We know taking Me Time will alleviate the stress that piles up over time, so why don’t we make time to make ourselves a priority? I’m guilty myself. I would love to say that I myself practice self-care the way I should consistently, but I don’t.

So, let’s use this month to remember the importance of self-care. I know I am. We’re in this together, so here are three reasons why we should prioritize ourselves and practice self-care.

Maintenance Check: Mental and Physical

Self-care gives us that necessary break that we are sometimes shamed into needing. Our capitalistic society has pressured us into believing that the grind never stops, that we can sleep when we’re dead. But honestly, I’d rather sleep when I’m tired. When we take time to ourselves, we are actually doing our bodies and our minds a huge favor. While you are taking time for yourself, you are simultaneously reducing stress levels which in turn, increases your immunity levels!

Recuperation from the Rigmarole of Life

The wake-work-eat-shit-sleep-repeat routine is daunting and mundane and we owe ourselves more than that. Doing something off the beaten path will give you an opportunity to do something different, explore yourself, and decompress. It is the time to rest and recover from the pressure of work, life, family, and anything else that isn’t always pleasant.

Acceptance of Your Worthiness

No need to slice and dice this one. YOU DESERVE IT! You deserve all things peaceful, loving, and blissful. The relationship with yourself is critical to the relationships you have with others. They don’t say “you can’t pour from an empty cup” for no reason.

When you know better, you do better. And we know better, so let’s do better! Whether you are de-plugging, reading, planting, meditating, or in therapy, you have to commit to do the work. And when I say “do the work”, I mean you have to make that promise that you are dedicated to your well-being, even when things get tough.

In September, I always joke that “I’m in season”. And this year isn’t any different. I am in season, and will take extra care to give myself the love that I want and deserve. This world won’t break me, and I am bestowing that same energy onto you.

You will thrive.

Love,

Autumn