Welcome Into My Home - And My Fall Reset
A cozy conversation about crunchy leaves, comfort food, and reclaiming rest.
There’s something about October rolling around that makes me feel like I can finally take a long, slow exhale. And even though it felt like summer got an extension, with the warm summer-like weather lingering here where I live in Canada - this month is no different
October is sort of the unofficial end of summer. The last of the cottages and trailers usually get closed up for the year on Thanksgiving weekend up here, and the hustle, the heat, and of course the crazy weekend traffic have started to abate.
In their place? The sight of the leaves changing colour… the pull of my soft sweaters, warm hoodies, and fuzzy socks. And for me… the quiet invitation to reset.
This time of year - with its pumpkin spice everything and the brilliant colours of the trees – is about more than just beautiful aesthetics… or an excuse to indulge in cinnamon anything. It’s the time of year when my nervous system gives me a nudge and says, “Ok girl… time to slow down a little… time to breathe and rest a moment”.
That slowing down isn’t laziness. It’s actually something I learned as I was developing resilience.
So, this week I want to invite you right into my home for something a little different – a peek at my personal fall reset.
Think of this blog post like a cozy evening chat between friends - full of rituals, reflection, and a few slightly nutty facts about squirrels (yes, really).
So grab yourself something warm to sip on - hot chocolate… coffee… tea… and let’s dive in.
Fall as a Nervous System Reset
I’ll be honest. I’m a summer girl at heart. I love the sunshine, the long days, bright leafy green everywhere, and flowers in full bloom.
Winter, on the other hand? Not a real fan. The cold is biting, the days are short, and my heaviest grief anniversary sits smack in the middle of it.
But in the fall? I feel like I get a bit of a pause.
Kind of a buffer between summer busyness and the craziness (and emotional intensity) of the holidays.
And while I may not look forward to the cold and snow coming, I’ve come to appreciate the rituals that fall reminds me into engage in.
The Things That Ground Me
You’ve probably heard me talk about self-care before. It’s rarely actually bubble baths… and I don’t do “weekend retreats”. For me, it’s usually the smallest things – activities that are kind of every-day and unexciting – that I choose to turn into mindfulness moments or mini rituals.
Here are a few of my favourite little things that help me reset and regulate:
🍂 Crunchy leaf walks
That sound of leaves swishing underfoot? Instant mindfulness practice. I try to take a short walk a few times a week and really let myself hear the crunch, feel the air, and notice the colours.
🚗 Solo drives with good music (or a great podcast)
Sometimes I run errands with my playlist turned up loud… or I take the long way home with a hot chocolate in the cup holder and an audiobook in my ears. (Bonus points for detours to look at the fall colours).
🐿️ Watching our neighbourhood squirrels lose their minds
Did you know squirrels forget where they hide about 75% of their nuts? Some researchers believe they’ve contributed to a decent chunk of forest regeneration. Environmental warriors in disguise!
🧡 Comfort food rituals
Nothing fancy. Just warm, soul-soothing dishes that feel like a hug from the inside. A few of my autumn favourites (although, full-transparency – the apples ‘n onions is something I haven’t made in years. It just popped back into my mind while recording the podcast for this post… but will definitely be back on my menu this month!):
- Pumpkin-spice oatmeal (pro tip: real pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and chopped pecans)
- Fried apples and onions (don’t knock it till you try it - amazing with pork!)
- Maple-roasted squash with chevre and pecans (yes, it’s as good as it sounds)
And if you want your house to smell like you’ve been baking all day? Simmer some cinnamon sticks and citrus peel in a pot of water. Instant seasonal coziness. No toxic candles required.
Taking Care of Me – From the Outside In
As the days get colder and windier, my skin starts getting a little testy with me. And while I don’t do 12-step beauty routines (or I’ll be honest, even 5-step ones most nights)… I do keep a few low-maintenance fall skincare rituals in rotation:
- Gentle exfoliation 2–3 times a week (hello, healthy glow and better product absorption)
- Mineral facial sunscreen even on cloudy days (Zinc oxide or Titanium Dioxide FTW)
- Hydration - both on my skin and in my water bottle
And here’s one tiny ritual that I swear by on rough days:
👉 Lay down with a warm, damp face cloth over your face. That’s it. Spa moment achieved. Nervous system says, “Thank you.”
You Don’t Have to Deep-Clean Your Soul (or Your House)
Fall also brings with it the start of “hosting season.” And I’m all about making my home feel welcoming.
What I’m not about, is deep-cleaning every baseboard before I invite people into my space.
Here’s how I work…
- 10-minute tidy in one room per night leading up to hosting
- Wipe the front door & entry mirror - first impressions matter
- Focus on what people will actually see or use – (so yes, I clean the bathroom - but everything else can stay behind closed doors)
Anyone snooping in your cupboards or judging your shower? They can stir the gravy or go outside and rake the leaves.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
Your guests aren’t coming to inspect your home!
They’re coming for warmth, connection, and the joy of sharing a meal.
Reflection Prompt
As always, I like to leave you with a little journaling nudge or walk-and-think reflection. This week, I invite you to ask yourself:
✍️ What’s one small seasonal ritual I could create - or return to - that helps me feel more grounded, calm, or cared for?
🧡 What would it look like to offer myself just a little more comfort - without guilt?
Remember: this isn’t about self-improvement.
It’s about self-care and self-connection.
Taking a Bit of a Breather in the Autumn Doesn’t Mean You’re Lazy - It Might Mean You’re Healing
As we shift into a new season, I hope you give yourself permission to soften.
To rest.
To eat warm cozy comfort food and wear fuzzy socks - and not apologize for it.
Sometimes resilience looks like bold action.
Other times? It looks like a quiet pause. A hot mug... A deep breath…
…and the sound of leaves crunching under your feet.
Thanks for joining me for this fall reset.
If you’d like more free tools for emotional resilience, self-care, and healing through life’s hardest seasons, visit:
👉 transformativejourneys.ca/johannas-toolboxes
