Hello, lovelies. Last Spring, I wrote a post called “Powersheets Spring Clear The Clutter Checklist.” It was about the Spring Refresh in my goal planner where I made a list of things to clear out of my life that season (Both physically and emotionally).
This season’s refresh is about savoring the season I’m in. In the planner’s words: “Slowing down to savor turns what we have into more than enough.”
Making this list was kind of hard because slowing down is the last thing I get to do in these next few months. Fall may become a relaxing, cozy time for most people, but for me, it means classes, midterms, and late night studying.
Even so, I was still able to think of five things for my list and have decided to share them with you. I hope you enjoy.
//Read A Book In The Gazebo
There is a gazebo right next to the small library near my dorm, and the first time I saw it, I thought it would be the perfect place to read. Needless to say, that has not happened yet. I can literally see it through my dorm room window as I write this, but I’ve never put an effort into actually visiting it.
Now that the weather is getting cooler and I won’t sweat through my shirt just by sitting outside, I think I’ll visit once in a while. Reading a book in a gazebo feels very extra to me, but I think it’ll help me cherish the season a little bit (As someone who doesn’t go to apple orchards or drinks pumpkin spice anything in autumn)
//Take Out Camera And Explore The City I Just Moved To
I have not taken that many pictures of my day to day this year. 90% of my photos have been from trips and family gatherings, and even then, I haven’t been using my camera as much as I used to. I don’t post on social media very often, so I don’t feel the need to take pictures every time I spend time with a friend or go out to eat, but I used to take those types of pictures just for myself. In fact, I don’t think I have a single picture of my roommate, and I talk to her every day!
I also haven’t been exploring my new city as much as I should. Sure, I go out on weeknights to school events, but those don’t take place off campus. I went from going to school in Downtown Atlanta to a school that might as well be in the countryside, so there are lots of things to take pictures of. I want to go outside and actually photograph what I’m seeing. The first step is bringing my DSLR to my dorm because I left it at home and have yet to send Eid photos to my family. I also need it to take pictures for a dorm tour blog post.
Even if it takes me a while to bring my DSLR, I still want to put my phone camera into good use. We’ll see how I do.
//Start A Gratitude Journal
I haven’t been writing as much as I used to in the last few months and I want to get back into the habit. Before moving out, I decluttered my entire childhood bedroom and threw out a bunch of stuff. In the process, I found three small blank notebooks. The crafty ones you can find at Michael’s that can’t be used for class. I had no idea what to do with them, but I brought them with me to the dorm anyway to jot down random things like meal plans or seminar notes. After going through the Fall Refresh, I decided to use one of the notebooks to start a gratitude journal.
Every day, or realistically a few times a week, I will write down five things I’m grateful for. I think that will help foster contentment.
//Travel Somewhere New
I haven’t traveled anywhere since March, which is a very long stretch of time for me. Travel always refreshes me and it’s one of the only activities where I am completely present for a long period of time. I’m not thinking about writing my next blog post or studying for the next exam. I am genuinely savoring everything around me. Especially when traveling somewhere new. That’s why I added it to my list for Fall. I want to end this amazing year on a high note.
//Take More Walks
I really enjoy taking walks, but I haven’t taken one in months. I’m busy and the only walking I do is to get from one building to another, which granted, is a lot of walking, but it’s not the type of walking where you’re alone with your thoughts and enjoying yourself. I have back to back classes three days a week, so the time I spend walking is mostly spent thinking about what I’m about to do next. Intentionally taking walks will be a nice form of self-care. It will also allow me to explore my campus and take pictures of it, so that kills two birds with one stone.
As a college student, it can be really hard to make time to slow down, but I hope this gave you a few ideas and inspired you to savor the season.
What are your plans for this fall? How do you plan on savoring the season?
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