While the leaves of fall turn their colors naturally, change does not come so easily to rest of the world.

For this month’s positivity challenge, I want you to consider one change that may allow you to enter into a new season of beauty in your life.

A season of beauty doesn’t necessarily have to do with changing your physical self. It can include changes in faith, patience, humility, acceptance, or simplicity. Choose to do something that brings a more beautiful light or outlook to your existence. Brighten your daily encounters with a more hopeful view or a greater appreciate for the diversity that you experience in others.

Some simple but significant changes to consider for your spiritual or emotional self include:

• Practice quiet meditation for 5 minutes each day; select a mantra that will bring about the change you seek, such as “I appreciate the good in others,” “My time is a gift and valuable to myself and those whom I share it with,” “Peace begins within me, let that peace find me here.”
• Smile, greet, or politely acknowledge all you meet, especially those who you don’t normally pay attention
• Compliment others on jobs well done or their appearance; make note of it
• Be conscious of the words you use when speaking to your family, spouse, or coworkers; keep a log or jar of unkind or impatient words. Making note of the not-so-nice things we say forces us to select less “noteworthy” negativity when we speak.
• Schedule time for things that will reduce futures stress:
  • pick out your clothes the night before
  • make a grocery list before going to the store and stick to it
  • make a budget and stick to it
  • plan a game night or movie night with your loved ones
  • share your schedule with your spouse or significant other
  • clean as you cook allow yourself to enjoy time with your family after dinner
  • fold each load of laundry after taking it out of the dryer (this way you don’t have mountains of laundry to fold later)
• Pick up trash or use recycling bins, even if the refuse isn’t yours
• Reduce time spent on social media
• Increase time telling stories or sharing memories with friends and family
• Clean out cluttered drawers
• De-clutter your desk
• Clean out your car
• Say an extra prayer each day for someone or something other than yourself
• Keep a journal of positive things or share one positive experience from the day with your family members each night

We can’t consider change without including a few healthy, physical progressions. With physical change, gradual will get the job done most every time.

Let a new season of spectacular begin with any these changes to your routine:

• Drink more water and keep a log of your intake
• Play more with a pet or spend time enjoying snuggle time with a favorite furry friend
• Read enjoyable books or share books you enjoy with others
• Replace a pre-packaged snack with fresh fruits or veggies
• Take a walk outdoors each day
• Begin practicing yoga or try a new yoga class
• While watching television do crunches, wall sits, or lunges 2 to 3 times a week
• Plan at least two fresh meals a week; i.e. homemade soup, tacos, grilled chicken breast, etc.
• Send a weekly card or note to someone you appreciate or who is suffering
• Set a bed time schedule and stick to it during the week
• Deep clean one room in your home a week
• Cut out soda, fast food, alcohol, tobacco, or unhealthy snacks for one day a week or more
• Take the stairs when you can
• Wear shoes that are good for your feet
• Wear clothes that make you feel beautiful or handsome
• Try a new shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, or soap
• Use tools, such as Pinterest, to use your existing wardrobe in new ways.
  Example: If you have a black shirt you love, search outfits for a black shirt and you may find some new ways to change up your already existing look. 

As autumn has arrived and winter works it way here, make your life a reflection of personal change and positive intentions. Let each day be one that unfolds with new beginnings and grateful endings. Put energy into your already existing routine and add intent to the alterations you attempt as you grow into the person you want to be.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. I am taking on the whole fold the laundry out of the dryer challenge. If my mountains of laundry get any taller, my kids will use them for skiing this winter.