Are you ready for the fall?

Back to school photos rolling in while some are still on vacation? It can only mean one thing:

Pressure.

I mean fall, but really it’s the same.

My September calendar is filling fast, and the attempt at “normal” over-scheduling with a side of mask mandates is not good for my anxiety.

How are you holding up?

Specifically, what routines and activities are most serving you right now? In times of transition, doubling down on those usually is the best way to maintain grounded.

If it’s your weekday hot chocolate at 11am like it is for me, then cheers to both of us. For my fellow A students, you know I’m also walking or working out first thing and sitting up straight in my chair while typing. When all seems more complicated and overwhelming than I can handle, posture feels like just the kind of control I need. And making my bed, which I’m mostly doing as well.

Okay so this is a check-in to see how you are, so please please tell me. Comment here, hit reply to the newsletter hitting your inboxes shortly, DM me on social media. Supporting each other through change always helps and I’m doubling down on that too.

In fact, I have a special offer for mailing list subscribers to get us all through the fall more confidently — and while being kinder to ourselves — so make sure you sign up now to receive it too.

Now, how are you really, really?

The only people you need to impress

Caught in the mental loop of comparison?

It happens to the best of us. What starts innocently with liking pet photos posted by friends moments later becomes obsessing about thigh gap and self-worth.

You’ve heard it before — don’t compare yourself to anyone else — but this image by Mari Andrew refocuses our attention.

If you’re gonna worry about what people think, focus on these two.

The younger and older versions of yourself decide your life has been worthwhile.

You’ve been a good person, tried your best, made a difference, loved fully, laughed openly, and given with all your heart. If these two are satisfied, you should be too.

What makes your 5-year-old and 85-year-old selves proud?

What do they boast to their friends about you? Share in comments below.

Surprising, isn’t it, what’s important to them and what doesn’t matter at all. Or maybe it makes perfect sense, because they see who you are beneath the surface and beyond today’s to-do list.

They see and love the real you. I hope they think you’re as fantastic as I do.