So often we get stuck in the day-to-day hustle and forget to acknowledge what’s really important. If someone were to ask “What’s most important to you?” we would be quick to respond with things like family, friends, being a good person, and so on. Unfortunately, we allow ourselves to get sidetracked a lot and temporarily “forget” our priorities. Unanswered emails clamor for our attention, deadlines and “to-do” lists clutter up our minds and steal our attention. As a way to temporarily silence these outside distractions, I like to look back over the past month and remind myself what is beautiful in my life. I try to identify three things that have happened in the past few weeks that I am grateful for and recognize them. I remind myself that these are what make up my life and have value. And for them, I am grateful.

3 Things I’m Grateful for in September

1. The changing of the leaves- Spring is my favorite season officially, but I do love Fall. There is nothing more beautiful than the changing color of the scenery. In the Midwest, we’re surrounded by varying types of trees that all change in a different way. It creates such a canvas of color. It’s a little sad because I know the cold and snow is just around the corner. However, I love to look at all of those pretty swaying branches. The way they light up in the golden afternoon sun when they’re filled with fiery red, burnt orange, golden yellow, and vibrant green all at once. Just gorgeous.
2. Clearance school supplies- I don’t know if any of you are as into office supplies as I am.  For those that aren’t, this is one of the best times of the year. School has begun and all of the overstock is now on clearance. We adults that weren’t in urgent need can now swoop in and snatch up AMAZING deals. Pens, notebooks, and binders…oh my! Thank you retail stores for having an abundance of product that you immediately have to slash prices on to quickly make room for the re-merchandising of the “Back to School” section to your “Halloween Horror” corner.
3. The end of nursing- As much as I will miss it, I am also VERY grateful to no longer have to worry about nursing my son. It was a wonderful time to connect with him and it went quite smoothly from day one. But having to always find a way to pump when I was away from home and coordinate bottles was tiring. And OH THE CLEANING. You nursing mothers out there know what I’m talking about. I am SO glad I’m done cleaning bottles and pump parts.