If you know me, you know this is my favorite time of year.
As soon as the weather starts to shift, I find myself outside as much as possible. I love seeing all of the colors — the foliage, the butterflies, the birds. I'm out there more often than not, and it isn't just to exercise in the fresh air or to feel the sunshine on my skin, but also for the process of clearing things out and starting fresh.
The garden gets cleaned up. The old, dead growth gets removed. Space is made for something new.
There's something about this season that makes everything feel possible again.
It also tends to make me reflect on my own habits and routines.
What's working.
What's not.
What needs to be adjusted.
And that naturally brings me back to goals.
Goals are interesting. Some of them stay the same for years. They're steady, long-term, and continue to matter regardless of the season. Others shift over time — sometimes because they're no longer challenging, and sometimes because they simply aren't working the way we expected.
I've been thinking about that recently as I've revisited some of the goals I set earlier this year.
A few of them have stayed consistent. I've kept up with reading and Bible study most mornings, which has become a steady way to start my day. Others have required some adjustment. I spent time lifting lighter while recovering from an injury, and recently started working my way back up to heavier weights again.
And then there are the goals that are still somewhere in progress. I still haven't been brave enough to fully commit to sourdough, but I've found a rhythm with things like making naan, tortillas, and a few breads from scratch, along with my own coffee creamer.
Not everything happens all at once. Some things take time, and some things evolve as you go.
I think this time of year is a good reminder that not everything is meant to stay the same.
Just like in a garden, not everything needs to be carried forward. Some things need to be cleared out so something new has room to grow.
So why do we set goals in the first place?
Not to be perfect.
Not to check a box.
But to give ourselves direction. To create a sense of purpose in how we move through our days and take care of ourselves.
As you move through this week, it might be worth asking:
What is still working for me?
And what might need to change?
You don't have to overhaul everything. Sometimes a small shift is enough to move things in a better direction.
If movement has been part of your routine, keep that going. Consistency over time is still one of the most valuable things you can build.
And if this season feels like a good time to reassess your goals more intentionally, whether that's around movement, recovery, or overall lifestyle, I'm always here to help you think that through and put it into action.
Next week we'll talk about what it looks like to let go of the things that are no longer serving you.
Enjoy the change of season and get outside as much as you can.