The Sunday 3 is a weekly roundup of 3 things Iām loving, moved by or thinking aboutāfrom self-care tips to recipes to new sustainable brands. Catch a preview on my Insta Stories & get all the deets (and see past weeksā editions) at hellogalbraith.com/sunday3.
Since my last post, it seems like summer has pretty much skipped right in to fall.
Letting go of summer was always hard for me as a kid: the end of the warmer weather and freedom from school and the start of stricter schedules.
As Iāve gotten older, Iām finding myself leaning into the change of seasons more and more. Thereās something exciting and refreshing about cooler weather, the changing leaves and embracing all things fall. Embracing change. Something we canāt quite get away from in so many ways right now.
I think the change of seasons gives me something to look forward to and thatās why I love it so much now. Isnāt it often the anticipation leading up to a holiday or big celebration or trip thatās more exciting than the actual event itself? I often feel that. Anticipation makes more mundane days a little bit brighter.
This week, I hope you plan something for yourself. Something to look forward to, to get through this new everyday that feels unending and bewildering.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Create a concert in your living room š¤
My good friend Denise and I went to see the band Joseph last October. They were so amazing live and I canāt wait to see them again IRL. Joseph did a special virtual concert for three nights this past weekāone night for each of their albums. I bought tickets for all three nights and marked the dates on my planner; I was so excited to tune in and sing along from my living room. (Tomās now a Joseph fan, too!) Denise and I even FaceTimed a bit like we were there together, which was really special.
Try it: See if any of the bands or artists you love are live-streaming a show soon (check their social & sign up for newsletters on their site). Then set aside the time to āgoāāorder takeout or prep a great meal, FaceTime with friends or make it a date night. You could even get a little dressed up like you *are* going to a concert. Whatever makes it feel fun for you.
2. Embrace all the fall things š
Tom and I went to the New York Botanical Garden last weekend, which was so nice. We walked through Thain Family Forest (sounds like something out of Lord of the Rings in the best way) and literally stopped to smell the roses in the beautiful Rose Garden. Being in nature, getting really quiet and taking in all of the beauty around us was just as calming and centering to me as meditating. To me, this is embracing the seasonājust being outside to enjoy it.
Try it: Whatever embracing the season means to youācarving a pumpkin with your little ones or watching a spooky movie or going for a long walk in the morning to look at the changing leavesāplan a day this week, mark it on your calendar and simply look forward to it!
3. Take on a personal challenge š
Last October, I did Rachel Hollisā Last 90 Days challenge. And it. Changed. My. Life. Since then Iāve been working out (or moving my body) in some way and writing down 5 things Iām grateful for every day. Creating those habits (and sticking to them) has been a major accomplishment for me. If youāre missing that feeling of growth and learning this time of year, signing up for a challenge or course is a great way to make that happen for yourself.
Try it: Itās not too late to start Rachel Hollisā Last 90 Days (itās free and I canāt recommend it enough). Create & Cultivate has a 60 day challenge starting November 1. Tone It Up also just started their fall challenge, if youāre looking to get create healthy workout habits. If you want something a little more mindful and soothing, try one of Minaa Bās free courses. (Sheās an author, speaker and licensed therapist.) You could also create your own challengeāmaybe itās tuning in to a new virtual workout class each week or creating a regular yoga practice. Taking small steps to try something new is taking a chance on yourself, which is always, always a good thing!
Wishing you the best week ahead. xoxo, H