This weekend we went to a pumpkin patch. I don’t know about you, but I’m not into the patches that have long lines for carnival rides and sticky, bouncy houses. Just give me some apple cider donuts, swaths of pumpkins growing freely under a clear blue sky, and some cute photo opps with hay bales and scarecrows. (Sadly, no donuts at this one, so if you know a spot near Seattle with fresh apple cider donuts, please let me know!)

This time of year always gets me reflecting on the past 9 months and thinking about the future. It’s a chance to pause amidst the busyness, take stock of what truly matters, and consciously choose what we want to create in the months ahead.

If you’re interested in exploring your goals and reflections too, here’s a simple exercise to get started. Take 5 minutes right now to answer these 3 questions (write them down, or share them out loud with someone you trust):

1. What’s one thing you’re proud of achieving in 2024? (Celebrate your wins.)
2. What’s a lesson you’ve learned this year? (Cultivate your growth mindset.)
3. What’s one thing/experience thing you’re excited to create in your near future? (Dream big!)

This simple exercise will help you:

Spark your motivation: Get excited about the possibilities.
Gain clarity: Pinpoint what truly matters to you.
Shift your focus: Move from overwhelm to intention.