October is my favorite month by far.
Over the past few months I have been gathering notes about how I spend my time, and what makes each day one that glows rather than drains me. I have dabbled in this before… through monthly snippets on “what is, unfortunately, worth it…” a series of observations I have made lists of small every-day moments that while may have taken a bit of effort in the moment, ended up feeling very much worth it. Whether it is noise-cancelling headphones, arranging fresh flowers or not hitting snooze on the alarm, there are a little moments throughout everyday where we can make decisions for our life to be 0.0001% better. Over time, those little moments build up to a well-lived day.
I have toyed with the phrase “well-lived” a lot. We are all living. But not all are living “well”. “Well” for me is also a nicely nebulous word that doesn’t overcommit to being too much. “Well” gives a sense of just enough to be enjoyable and just approachable enough to achieve. I took the liberty to look up “well” in the dictionary, a place that is probably going to be better at explaiing it than me… and I was pleasantly surprised… here is what jumped out at me: Doing something attentively, Wise to do, A deep supply or origin of something, To rise or well up, such as tears in eyes or water from a spring, Used at the beginning of a statement to express surprise, hesitation, doubt, or to soften a direct response.
This month I have expanded beyond the daily micro decisions of “well” to some more chunky-but-attainable things, these are things that do take some planning, thought or effort but for me turn what could be a fast-passing month into a well-lived one. When I reflect on what I chose for October (pumpkin patch, firepit s’mores, a podcast episode and a 90’s movie) it paints a pretty well-rounded picture. One where you get time in nature, time with others, time for your mind to reflect and a dose of comfort from a simpler time. (and reading that sentence back, the one word that repeats for each is TIME, so a well-lived life in this case for me must relate to how we spend our time…)
The Pumpkin Patch (or a nature walk): Arguably a very American thing, but I do think pumpkin patches are starting to pop up all around. If you don’t have one nearby a simple walk in the woods will do pretty much the same thing. The idea is more so about giving your brain the time and space to process the changing of the seasons through the color of the leaves and crispness in the air. It is about reminding yourself how close nature is to us - whether that is a woodland walk, a loal park or a car-ride away. I’ve found myself making two pumpkin patch trips each year, one to Butlers Orchard in Maryland and one to Cox Farms in Virginia. Wherever it may be for you, make the time to get into nature to mark the seasonal change.
Fire-Pit S’mores: A new addition for me this year, and one planned about 2 months in advance…! I’ve invited over a small group of friends to make s’mores at our fire pit. Each person is bringing one of the ingredients - graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate etc. and I will make some hot apple cider for us too. I wanted to find easy reasons to gather and take pressure off big expensive hosting evenings. I kicked off October with a neighbourhood happy hour, and by the time I got food and drinks in it all added up to a pretty penny… so I am looking for more low-key ways to catch-up with people. This seemed to work a treat :)
Blindboy episode of Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud: This one took a bit of time to get into, but by the hour mark I was hooked. I only knew Blindboy from “horse outside” and really didn’t think much of him since then. I had no idea he had gone on to be such a deep cultural commentator on art, writing and society. I learned so much about his writing process and worldview on this episide and was pleasently surprised. He shared Irish folklore and history explaining our language and sparked so much curiosity in me.
Toy Story: I wanted to have some sort of autumnal movie here… When Harry Met Sally or You’ve Got Mail… but that’s not honest. What is honest is I have been simultaneously re-watching Gilmore Girls and One Tree Hill for my 90’s nostalgia… and Toy Story has been on repeat in my house too. Which is still very 90’s nostagia, but a different kind of vibe. After a trip to Disneyland earlier this month I have found my home filled with Buzz Lightyears and our movie nights are now always one of the five Toy Story movies. It’s fun to re-watch something I saw as a kid with my own son, and to see him also enjoy it so much.
Art for a well-lived life: When it comes to my art… I describe it as art for a well-lived life. This blog post is a means of helping me work-through what “well-lived” means for me and also for you. A “well-lived” life in October is one outdoors, with people, reflecting and expanding our understand of the world alongside a dollop of nostalgia for what once used to be. How are you spending the time to create your well-lived life?
