November Goals

Our twilight month November is,
The evening of the year.
The brilliant summer noontide left
A pallor soft and clear.
– “November” by Ruby Archer

October brought autumn delights: changing leaves, fall seedlings in the garden, new birds at our feeders, and our last trip of the year: a long weekend in a 100-year-old house on a little island with no cars. Ari and I both remarked that there’s something dream-like about this little spot on the island – it holds a quietness that our souls crave on the fuller days of life. We rode bikes, watched the sea birds flock at the shore, and marveled at the view from this window. We often return in our minds to this window throughout the year. It feels like we are the only people on the island as we look at the preserved landscape surrounding this historic lighthouse keeper’s home. See more from our trip here.

It was here, at this window two years ago, that I opened a new set of PowerSheets and let myself ask God a question I didn’t want to ask: “How do I let go of Cultivate?” I was weary, and there seemed to be no other way forward than to ask impossible questions. And here I am two years later with that decision made, looking back at all the sleepless nights that came afterward and all I learned.

The biggest thing I learned? To everything, there is a season, and God is faithful in all of them. Letting go is not easy, but when He says it’s time, you get to exercise faith. We can put everything in His hands and trust His plans, even when we can’t see what’s ahead, even when there are risks and unknowns.

Letting go and trusting Him continues today (as it always will!).

Highlights from October:
— I shared what it’s like to sell a company you love.
— Part 2 of our Health Journey got you talking.
— Our trip to Bald Head Island was our last bit of travel for the year and a sweet exclamation point on 2023.
— Oh, the butterflies, bees, and autumn seedlings—they have been a joy the last few weeks. I got my pansies and violas planted and watched the kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and lots of fun new things sprout!
— The thing I will miss most when the winter frost settles in? Cooking with herbs from the garden each night. Right now, we have basil, curry, sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, dill, cilantro and parsley. I have loved our kitchen garden right outside the back porch door. This has been my daily de-stress time.
— We’ve started taking long walks after dinner each night to keep our blood sugar in check and get that great early-evening sun in our eyes. We bring our favorite tea, and I love every minute.
— You gave me a kind “welcome back” to Instagram as I shared my story (my most-watched video on Instagram to date).

What I read or listened to:
It was a different month for reading with some lighter, more practical titles:
— Home Detox by Daniella Chase. This and the title below were full of things I never knew and tips that are easy to implement.
— A Healthier Home by Shawna Holman. She shares excellent tips on her Instagram as well.
— The Home Edit. I checked this out at the library and got lots of great advice for organizing our pantry—once and for all. I was frustrated with it becoming what felt like a weekly project, often reinventing the organizing wheel as different food was placed on the shelves. I’ll share a before and after soon.
— This poem was a favorite in October (and this website is a wonderful collection!).
— A lot of Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck, my Dad’s favorites.

What I’m looking forward to in November:
— Grace turns 12! She’s such a joy, and I can’t believe I’ve been blessed to be her mom for a dozen years!
— We loved picking out our tiny Christmas tree last year. It was so cute and fun to decorate – the kids could reach the top! This year, Sarah tested high for glyphosate, so I’m hunting for some sort of more organic tree option to help her heal. I considered a faux tree, but I love the smell of a real tree! If I could find an organic potted evergreen, I’d be a happy camper. A giant rosemary tree? I’m on the hunt! We may decorate our Meyer lemons if all else fails! 🍋
— Last year, we made gifts for each other, and everyone enjoyed getting their craft on! I made the kids a puppet theater, which has had some good use. This year, I’ve purchased theater tickets for the kids to enjoy (the touring production of The Lion King – shhh, don’t tell them), and will make each of them something small. I’m thinking about writing a mini storybook or planning a future date with each. What are you gifting this year? I’d love ideas!
— I hope to spend some time at the end of November starting my 2024 PowerSheets. I really miss doing them with you all, by the way. I considered doing a little casual live for us to dig in together for fun, but that’s probably too ambitious for November.
— Finally, I’m having surgery next week (Tuesday morning) to help my health journey. I had a post written for you with the story and more details, but ultimately, I decided it’s best to wait to share until I recover. We’ve been preparing all year for this, and I’ve done all I can to ready my immune system and physical health. My mom is coming to stay with us for a few months to help, and I am so grateful.

Why mention it at all here now? I’ll be having general anesthesia, and the recovery is long – I’ll be out for several weeks. So, expect some quietness here for a bit as I settle into a season of healing. I’ll share more, Lord willing, when I get back on my feet. I did mention in a previous post that I was having a small hernia repair, which I decided to hold off on in favor of the more extensive healing needed for this surgery. I know it’s not ideal to mention the surgery without sharing details, but it’s what’s best for me right now so I can focus on preparing my mind, body, and spirit for surgery. I’m grateful for your kindness and love always!
— I wrapped up a dozen new Thanksgiving and Christmas books for the kids; see my updated list here. I’m a big fan of holiday books, and we have such a special collection. Since I’ll be in bed a lot this month and not doing my normal mom things, I’ve planned to surprise the kids with one every few days to read to their siblings (and me). 💛

My November goals were fueled by the Q4 Goal Refresh in the PowerSheets. The process never fails to clarify my focus and make me want to take action—no need for forced motivation. My goals matter to me in the big picture, so I want to take action. I’m grateful for another month to tackle what God has given me to do.

What are you focusing on in November? Do we share any goals? I’d love to hear.

P.S. The best holiday sales on my favorite things are HERE! Save this page full of links and discount codes. I’ll update the Shop page as other deals go live. Happy – and healthy – shopping, friends! 🎁