| Hi Gail!
As I assess my own routines & behaviors, I’ve been reflecting on how much our environment shapes the way we show up each day. When the "soil" around us is nourishing, growth doesn’t feel like such a struggle, it just happens naturally.
That thought hit me the other day watching Ashley’s reel about how the same seeds of a plant can grow into entirely different shades of color depending on the soil, sunlight exposure, and what they are surrounded by.
That same "phenomenon" certainly happens with us, too. Our “soil” (our environment) quietly shapes who we become.
What we eat, watch, listen to, move through, and surround ourselves with, it all seeps into us and shapes our energy, our habits, and our sense of what’s possible.
Luckily... We all get to tend our own soil.
So while we often think we need more discipline or motivation to reach our goals, sometimes it’s not that we’re lacking effort, it’s that we’re working against the grain of an environment that’s full of obstacles.
Instead of muscling through and burning out, why not make growth effortless by changing the soil you’re growing in? Insert: a FALL cleaning for the soul :)
🍂 Fall Cleaning
We usually save “spring cleaning” for our homes, but what about a seasonal clean-out for your mind and body too? Fall is the perfect time to re-evaluate what’s around you before you cozy in for winter.
Here are a few ways to begin your fall environment audit:
1. Audit your digital space.
What you consume online shapes your internal dialogue. Mute, unfollow, or take breaks from anything that makes you feel anxious, comparison-driven, or disconnected from yourself.
2. Revisit your physical spaces.
Clear your counters, restock your kitchen with foods that support your energy, and set out your walking shoes, workout bag, or yoga mat where you can see them. A small tweak in what’s visible can shift what feels possible!
3. Check in on your circle.
Ask yourself: Who do you feel grounded with? Who leaves you drained? You don’t have to cut ties, but you can adjust how much energy you give.
4. Notice the stories you repeat.
What are the quiet beliefs running in the background?
I’ve been reading The Untethered Soul, and it’s forced me to pause and really notice that little voice in my head that’s always speaking, often without me even realizing it. Unfortunately, I’ve realized that I’m not always speaking very kindly or encouragingly to myself.
We all have those moments where we repeat phrases like “I can’t stick to routines,” “I’m going to fail,” or “I’m not good enough.” And those quiet thoughts, if left unchecked, can quietly shape our behaviors, and in turn, our outcomes.
Try observing the conversation happening in your mind, and remind yourself that what’s being said isn’t fact, it’s just a story you’ve repeated. And you have the power to stop the story and choose a new one!
5. Reconnect with your natural rhythm.
Open the windows, feel the cooler air, go on a walk in nature and observe the sunlight twinkling through the changing leaves (my favorite). Your environment isn’t just your home, it’s also your relationship with the world outside.
Tending to your environment is one of the most powerful forms of self-work there is, because when the "soil" is right, growth happens way, way more naturally.
Back to Soup Season 🍲
As the air cools and the days shorten, our bodies crave warmth, minerals, and grounding foods. We’re officially back to soup season, one of our favorite times to experiment with traditional, healing recipes.
This week’s recipe: Russian Borscht.
A beet-based soup that’s been used for centuries throughout Eastern Europe for recovery, nourishment, and strength. Originally from Ukraine and later adopted across Russia, borscht was once made with fermented beets and bone broth, a true winter tonic for blood and liver health.
Beets for cleansing, cabbage for vitamin C, garlic and onions for immune defense, and a rich beef broth for minerals and collagen = simple, earthy, and deeply restorative. |
