Octobers Reflections and Novembers Intentions

As October falls away into November, I am taking a moment to reflect on all that October brought with it and all it is leaving behind. October felt like a big month: heightened energy, important lessons, pressured growth. I wanted to do a small monthly round up and share some of my reflections, and also, on a more lighthearted note, two books that left lasting impressions on me.

I will begin with the book talk! There were two books I read in October that not only were highlights of my month, but perhaps are two of my favourite books I have ever read, at least in a long time. The first is a fiction book called Early Morning Riser. I can sometimes be a reading machine, finishing one or maybe two books a week and swiftly move on without a second thought. I thought this book would be the same. It is a fairly lighthearted, easy read. While I was reading it, I did not think it would leave a lasting impression on me. However, after finishing, I felt deeply moved and filled with emotion. This book touched my heart so deeply and weeks later I still think about the story often. It has brought up many self-inquiries and discussions about humanity, connection, love and loss.

The second book is called Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. It may sound a little niche but I believe this book is for everyone. The author integrates her personal stories as a way of getting her message across. Simply by reading I feel more in awe, connected and in reverence to nature. This was another book that touched my heart and changed the way I view the world.

Now for the real talk.

Every “setback” is truly a realignment. For me, September was a big month. As I transitioned from life in California to a life in England, it felt like I was beginning a new chapter of my life, embracing a new version of myself. After the whirlwind of the move and everything that came with it, I thought October would be a month focused on grounding and settling in. The universe had other plans.

October brought many challenges, both internally and externally. With these challenges came questions. Aspects of my life I thought I had “figured out” and decisions I thought I had made and was confident in were brought into question. While this has been unsettling and frustrating, it has also been exciting. It has forced me to learn new things about myself and the world. It has opened my eyes to new perspectives and welcome new opportunities and experiences.

I am learning how to flow with unforeseen circumstances and trust them, rather than fight against them. When I do this, some of these “setbacks” begin to make sense and I become excited about the unknown of the future. In the unknown, all of our dreams are possible. Our setbacks may actually be nudges from the universe guiding us down a different, more aligned, path.

Of course, that’s not always the case. Sometimes it is impossible to see the positives and lessons in a situation, and that is important to honour as well. At the least, flowing instead of fighting has helped me surrender and preserve my energy. Or, the exhaustion that comes with it all has forced me to lean in to surrender and trust. It is a cycle. All of these parts of the process are connected and ebb and flow into each other.

I am learning to be soft and gentle with myself throughout it all. Unexpected challenges and changes can be rattling to our nervous systems. It is important to take care of ourselves as we integrate all we are learning and all the changes we are making. This reminds our bodies we are safe and that we are ready to make changes and embrace all that is coming our way. This is where the growth happens, if we let it.

This softness and surrender is not my natural inclination. Which is why my current mantra for November is — I am welcoming the unknown and trust the universe is on my side.

My intention for November is to embrace all that comes my way with trust and faith. I aim to allow myself to feel all emotions that arise while also embracing each new change, situation, experience, day… with open arms.

October has left me feeling raw, open, vulnerable and soft. But perhaps that is just what I need in order to receive all that is coming my way in November.

What about you? What came up for you in October? Any big lessons and blessings? How are you feeling as you enter November? Is there a mantra or intention you can set for yourself that will help guide you back to your center as you move through the month?

I hope you are embracing all that is coming your way with trust that no matter what, you are safe and capable of handling it all.