5 ways to Slow Down and enjoy FALL.

Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life" unknown

FALL.
The season of change. The season that reminds who about the importance of family, and creating memories. The season that eloquently reminds you that change is both beautiful and necessary. If I'm being honest with myself it is also, historically, the time of year when my depression goes into high gear and I find myself not wanting to enjoy any of the above... family, change or creating memories- because well change scares the crap out of me. 

My children are my everything. They bring me so much joy and happiness, yet often I find myself consumed with work and getting through one day just to prepare for the next.

This weekend I had so much fun hanging with the little people I love most, my children and my nephew. We spent the entire day, just 25 minutes north of the city, in nature playing, laughing and enjoying each other's company -work, while important could wait.

Lately, family has meant so much to me, after all its really all that matters. It can get so easy to fall in the routine of working and living day to day. Last Saturday I really took the time to disconnect and enjoy the energy of my family. We put on our fall attire, laughed until we cried, played in dirt, fed farm animals, took a hay ride to meticulously pick the perfect pumpkin, watched pig races and shared freshly made, warm kettle corn. Time escaped us and the only thing that matter was having FUN!

Driving home the children peacefully slept on each other's shoulders which allowed me the space to turn up my Coltrane and reflect and plan for more moments like the one I had just experienced.
As I cruised down one long, quiet country road I crafted a list of ways I intended to slow down this season and really love on my family:

5 Things you can do SLOW DOWN and ENJOY FALL WITH FAMILY! 
1. Get outdoors.
Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh cool air. The urban Ecology and many County parks have amazing walking paths. Use this time as a moment to engage with nature and just be.

2. Cuddle up.
When the weather gets cold, there is nothing more comforting than grabbing your favorite blanket, a hot beverage and turning on netfilx to enjoy a PG movie with kids... in my case Captain Underpants

3. Bake Something.
MAKA love being in the kitchen with me. I have found several mama and me type cooking books that allow use to make quick and yummy treats together as a family.

4. Fall Arts and Crafts. 
This is the perfect time of year to spend a Saturday morning making art. Grab leaves and do rubbings, fine pine combs and paint them, get pumpkins and do lanterns.

5. Take Fall Pictures.
Grab your smart phone or a camera and use nature as your backdrop. Capture the family and create a fall corner some where in your home filled with your new pics. OR you could call me and I'll photograph your family for a small fee.. :)
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