A plan to make now that will help you avoid the winter blahs.

All of the dust and cobwebs in my house just became decorations.

Thank you Halloween ;-)

Here in the northeast the natural world is preparing for winter.

Leaves are turning – too fluffy and delicate to last through the winter ahead.

Pine cones and acorns are dropping with all the goodness of the summer packed into their seeds.

Nature is showing us the way.

It's time to focus on what is essential for our own health and well-being in the months ahead.

What will keep you warmed up and humming through winter?

• Is it time to let some leaves drop? Are there drains on your time, energy, warmth and light? Could you say, “no” to these things? Maybe you ended up over committed just recently? Or maybe things you used to love have started to feel like an obligation?

Have you heard the saying, “Every ‘yes’ is also a ‘no’ to something else”?

This is a permission slip to protect the essentials with a thoughtful "No" over the next few months.

(And remember, this can be a “no for now, not forever” or if you feel clear, just a simple "no" is ok too.)

• What are the essential elements of a good life for you? Can you give them special “shelf space” in your life – treat them as honored essentials, precious fuel for your life?

Hint: This might be everyday essentials and self-care. It also might be spending time on a passion project. Or figuring out what you want to be when you grow up. Or finally prioritizing a goal you’ve been putting on the back burner.

So what is essential for you and yours this winter?

Anything you have already dropped?

Eager to drop?

Scared to drop?

I'd love to hear what sorts of things you stop, start or continue in preparing for the winter season ahead. Email me and let me know!

Love,

Marijke Ocean

P.S. You might be great at sorting out the essential from the non-essential when you look at your sister-in-law's life or your employee’s list of priorities. But when it comes to your own list … it can be hard to see the forest through the trees.

Consider me your partner in crime - helping you get as clear for yourself as you can be for others. Schedule an Explore Coaching session to learn more about how it works!