Your Fall Intentional To-Do List
Anyone else just as fall-obsessed as I am? Maybe it’s the cooler temperatures, or the fact that all the fall foods taste so much better, or my love for pumpkin everything, but one thing that I am absolutely sure of is that fall is the best of all. From the home decor to the changing leaves and all the comfy sweaters, life is always a lot sweeter in the months of September, October, and November! While the days get shorter and the nights get longer, I firmly believe the fall is the perfect time to set aside time for intentional living and cultivating heart-worthy moments. Presenting to you your guide for all things slow living and joyful. Here is your fall intentional to-do list.
Intentional to-do list for your best living this fall
1. Spend time outdoors
I find my true sense of self when I am outside in nature. Whether that is running on the trails or hiking in the middle of the woods, I find peace unlike any other! I hear and see and think more clearly in the great outdoors. Therefore, it is essential to start off this fall intentional to-do list with nothing other than spending time outdoors! Grab on your hiking shoes, grab a jacket and your preferred book bag. Be sure not to forget your water and opt outside. Go for a walk or a run. Find local hiking trails and explore! Wake up early to catch a sunrise or plan a picnic at a heart. The best kind of fall is lived outside!
2. Start a Gratitude Journal
The most important part of this sweet fall season, taking the moments and appreciating all the things. Especially when life gets hard, it means even more to spend moments expressing and practicing gratitude. Therefore, I strongly believe in the importance of starting a gratitude journal. Additionally, devoting a specific time each day, whether that is in the morning or night, to write thoughts on all the things that mean the most to you. Honestly, writing in a gratitude journal is one of the most joy-inducing things and most definitely worth a spot on your fall intentional to-do list.
3. enjoy a fall latte with a friend
Continuing the theme here of ALL things better in the fall, I am a firm believer that coffee tastes better in the sweet season of fall. Furthermore, I am a strong believer in local coffee shops and absolutely thrive in a local coffee shop with my favorite seasonal latte. Whether your preference is pumpkin spice, chai, or a combination of cinnamon or caramel, fall tastes better in a coffee cup. So call a friend, meet in a favorite local spot, and enjoy all the sweet cheer in a fall latte.
4. Take Fall Family Pictures
The fall leaves, autumn hue reflecting on the trees, there is no sweeter time to document life than new photos. Schedule a family photo shoot to commemorate life or get your Christmas cards all ready for the fall. Plus, a great way to add more sweet photos around your home! Family photos always make for a great opportunity to splurge on your dream outfit and match the entire family in coordinating colors. And if you make this a tradition every year, then you will have quite the collection to always look back on. Plus, many photographers run specials throughout the fall on special mini-shoots. This is definitely an item worth being on your to-do list this fall.
5. Turn off the screen + simply Be
Everything we do in this ever-increasing digital age involves staring at the screen. Whether that be the work day or after hours, we are consumed with our screens. Therefore, I love the intention of spending more meaningful moments away from the screen and simply being. When we turn off the screen, our imaginations run wilder, our dreams become clearer and are hearts are more fuller. Between picking up your favorite book, journaling, or just having a meaningful conversation there are so many great moments to be had off the screen. Thus a recipe for essential, intentional fall living.
6. Bake all the yummy fall treats
When you think of fall, do you immediately think of things or smell things? Because when I think of fall, my senses are immediately overwhelmed with pumpkin, cinnamon, clove and spiced cider. Goodness, I love all the fall aroma and the fall things. And nothing makes this heart happier than fall and treats. There is something about the goodies of fall that just make me that much more excited. From the cookies, to the pies, spiced cider mulling in the crockpot, and of course all the delicious crock pot meals. And of course, my absolute favorite pumpkin chocolate chip muffins that just made my heart flutter. Nothing is more intentional than spending that time in the kitchen baking the season’s favorites.
7. Sit + be Still
We live in a world always on the go, determining success based on how many things we accomplish and how many things we are doing. I of course am the most guilty of this. Therefore, it is so incredibly important this fall to make it a priority to just sit and be still. To fully abide in the rest. To practice stillness and be okay with it. Our bodies are accustomed to noise, so let’s dive into the uncomfortable and sit in the stillness and the silence. Because goodness there is SO much to be gained once we sit and truly rest. And it’s this stillness that truly defines intentional living.
8. Take a day trip
One of my absolute favorite things to do in the fall (well, really any time of the year) but of course more specifically the fall. The fall is full of all the happy things to do outside. From hiking and watching all the beautiful changing leaves, to waterfall chasing. To pumpkin patches, apple orchards, wineries, and pretty serene views perfect for picnics. So many simple ways to escape and spend quality time with the people who mean the most.
9. Write letters
Finally, our ninth item on the intentional to-do list is all about taking the time and writing the words to mean the most. Yes, I am absolutely talking about writing letters. Pick a few people who mean something big to you, your heart, and your life. Then, pick out cute stationary or note cards, and your favorite writing pens. (I personally have become quite the fan of the Sharpie Pen S-Gel) And write away.Write a sweet note of encouragement, sharing all the love and dose inspiration. Trust me, this sweet and small gesture will most definitely go a long way!
