Putting your own oxygen mask on first...

Easier said than done, right?

Where's the time to do it?

What does it even look like?

And how would you even notice if you were suffocating or asphyxiating? When you're just SO FRICKIN' BUSY???

After the crazy 2000-mile July (thank you, little red car!) and the August that really did not go according to plan (think family upheaval, the end of a long relationship, and a pet cancer scare – so NOT a holiday!!!), this is me checking back in to LinkedIn to all of you who read my newsletter and have supported me through its, and my, growth.

Thank you for all the lovely comments on the posts and the newsletter, which started as an accountability measure for the woman who couldn't do the same thing for more than 2 days running. I've appreciated each and every one of them.

Now, though, instead of cheerleading for everyone else, I'm going to be doing my own work, so the newsletter's going dark for a while. I've understood something fundamental about myself that requires some focus from me, so that I can move forwards.

If I have something to say, I'll say it; if I don't, I won't be bothering you. If you want to unsubscribe, I totally understand.

Mel Robbins is all about a Fall Reset right now; and as an ex-teacher of decades, September's always 'New Year' for me. I might even do exactly as she suggests and buy myself a new notebook because I've been told by one who knows, to 'go hardcore' on journaling.

I'm off to find out about me. I know I'm all about food, and my garden, and I love all the words in all the languages, and their interconnectivity, but other than that, I'm drawing a bit of a blank.*

Time for me to go on the old hero's journey. I have my trusty Pops at my side – thanks to everyone who sent lovely messages about her: she's going to be fine, fingers crossed – and I'm excited about what I might find out.

Wishing you all ALL the good things: enjoy the changing light; the richness of the season's colour palette; the transition from the crisp, garden freshness of summer to soothing, warming, one-pot fillers as we hunker down into the gathering darkness; and the looking forward to the coming of the light. (That's why we have darkness, right? Spring wouldn't be nearly so glorious if it weren't preceded by Winter!)

With love, as always,

LOIS ??

*Obviously, I'm still all about wellness – which is NAFF ALL to do with numbers on a scale, but everything to do with how you go through life, and being happy, IMO.

Building my pond, sorting out my garden, experimenting with sprouting, ferments and new foods is what's currently nourishing and sustaining me, but I also really love helping people find themselves a bigger portion of the wellness casserole, so if you think I can be of assistance, my DMs are always open. Goes without saying. ??