Here we are, the second day of the tenth month — the sixth of seven months to have a length of 31 days. We look forward to five Wednesdays of falling leaves, football, and chilled mornings, plus goblins and jack-o-lanterns when it’s over.

I was born in October, and lucky to not be named October Olly. My daughter was born the same day 25 years later. I can remember how old she is, so I add the figures to know my age. This year I am again old, but very happy to be alive. How else could I complete the puzzle of my life?

To me, October is a hopeful month. It feels warm and fuzzy and is a peaceful time between Summer fun and Holiday festivities — a time to regenerate and reflect.

I have a friend who has a beautiful yard with various “sitting places.” When she is planting or weeding, and gets tired, she has a place to sit and rest. For example, there is a bench dedicated to a grandson they loved and lost, where her thoughts always embrace him. Her flower paradise provides not just beauty, but stools, rocks, and chairs for relaxing and refreshing.

My favorite sitting place is a porch swing. Only one house I’ve lived in has had a porch swing, and I can recall every book I read leaned against a pillow while gently swaying back and forth. Sweet!

Maybe October is similar to a sitting place where we enjoy spectacular waves of orange, red, and gold. This tenth month reminds us to let go of the past — let it die with glorious color so we can welcome the future. Nature releases seasonally and permits us to do the same. October gifts us with time to breathe and reset.

Now, we can open the front door, go for a walk, take pictures, read a book, drink hot tea, take a nap, and connect with ourselves. Remember we are our best friend and worthy of time and attention. Let’s say, “No,” a little more often, so we have time to sit whenever we are tired. May you have plenty of sitting places in your days to provide healing, thinking, and feeling—places to take the weight off.

We have five Wednesdays, 31 days, to let October do her magic. Don’t pass up the opportunity. Let the falling leaves remind us to sit and rest.

Mental wellness requires relaxation, regeneration, rest, reflection, refreshing, and reseting. October hands them over on a golden tray.

To Mother Nature, I say, “Thank You.”

Until the next time: Live while you live

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