Happy Anne of Green Gables month to all who celebrate!!! I, too, am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. This month you can find me drinking hot coffee, listening to folklore, and watching The Great British Baking Show. So many autumn delights to be had!
Last night we went on a family field trip to Mega Thrift for some fall clothes shopping and it was weirdly very fun? I think the best thing I have done for myself this postpartum is to just buy bigger clothes. No need to stress about squeezing myself into jeans that no longer fit (and may never will again, tbh). Buying new clothes yesterday felt very liberating in a way. It’s nice to feel excited about actually getting dressed vs wearing the same stretchy maternity shorts every day (although *zero* shade to that). Meanwhile, my baby boy is six months old and getting sweeter and cuter by the day. I can’t handle it!!! Six months has always been my favorite age and I am happy to report that it continues to be.
My other goal for this month, other than Actually Getting Dressed, is to hold a moratorium on all clothes and shoes spending. You guys, it’s out of control. There is something in me that, no matter how much I have, just. wants. more. Ugh. I hate that feeling! It’s like the opposite of contentment. I am all stocked up on cold-weather shoes and nursing-friendly outfits for the season, and the boys have more clothes than they could ever possibly wear, so now feels like a good time to stop the spending train. Josh is going to hold me accountable!
Speaking of contentment, we are in the middle of a class called Foundations at our Anglican church and have been savoring growing deeper into our faith and community there. Last week in class we read a prayer that really struck a chord in my heart:
“O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who is everywhere present and fills all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O Good One.”
I am in the process of memorizing this so that my mind can turn to it in times of anxiety. When I’m fixating on something stressful, it helps to have something else to mentally cling to instead... almost like my mind needs a worn, comforting blankie to hold onto. Does that make sense? Basically, I want this prayer to be my comfort blanket!
As I’m writing this stream-of-consciousness style, I’m realizing what I truly want this fall (and also… forever?) is a life more deeply rooted in what matters and more unattached to what does not. I am craving comfort and simplicity and adventure. Going on hikes with my kids, laughing about nothing and everything with my husband, having deep conversations with friends punctuated by disciplining children and feeding babies. The good stuff, ya know?
Here’s to being glad that we live in a world where there are Octobers. Messy, authentic, adventurous Octobers.
I love that Anne of Green Gables quote!! 😊
Love the prayer. I've been needing that, too!