Back to Routine, Back to You: Finding Balance This Fall

September has a way of nudging us back into rhythm. The kids grab their backpacks, businesses gear up, and suddenly the lazy, free-flow days of summer are behind us. Well… let’s be real. I wasn’t exactly “lazy” or “free-flowing” this summer—I was still knee-deep in wrapping up my move. (Boxes, bubble wrap, and a psychic medium trying to remember where I put everything—now that’s a reality show waiting to happen!) But even if summer was busy, there’s something about September that always feels like a fresh start.

Whether you have school-aged kids or not, this season always brings a shift—it’s “back to routine” time. Now, let’s be honest: routine can feel like a blessing or a burden. On one hand, structure grounds us. On the other, it can feel like a cage if we resist it. The trick? Learning to see routine not as a rigid schedule but as a sacred rhythm that supports your mind, body, and spirit. Nature teaches us everything we need to know. As the days grow shorter and leaves begin to change, we’re reminded that slowing down, refocusing, and letting go are part of the cycle of life.

Just like trees don’t mourn the leaves they drop, we can learn to let go of the habits, patterns, and distractions that no longer serve us. Now if I could just get Kyle to “let go” of that box of mystery keys we’ve been dragging from house to house! September is the perfect time to prune away what’s draining us and step into balance. Some call it a routine, others call it a ritual. You call it whatever works for you—just make sure you do it. What if you treated your daily “to-dos” like sacred rituals instead of chores?

In the morning, light a candle, pull an inspiration card, or roll on a focus blend of essential oils before you tackle the day—and take five minutes to visualize yourself having a fantabulous day. Midday, give yourself a reset with breathing, stretching, or even stepping outside with your feet on the earth while thinking of something that makes you laugh. And in the evening, a simple practice of gratitude or journaling before bed tells your spirit, “All is well, I can rest.” Take a few minutes to reflect on the best part of your day or visualize yourself doing something you truly love. These little moments anchor you. They turn routine into rhythm, instead of feeling like Groundhog Day.

I always say: routines aren’t just about checking boxes—they’re about feeding your soul. As you settle into your September schedule, ask yourself: what rituals can I add that bring me joy? Maybe it’s sipping tea and placing your mug on your favorite Spiritquest coaster while planning your day. Maybe it’s keeping a crystal on your desk that reminds you to stay grounded. Or maybe it’s listening to a short meditation (I’ve got plenty for you!) before you drift off to sleep. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. Trust me, nobody’s handing out gold stars for who color-codes their planner best!

On a personal note, I’ll be honest, I’ve had to relearn this lesson many times. Okay, super honest moment—I’m always reminding myself about this lesson. After a busy summer, I find myself craving structure again, but I know better than to box myself in with an unrealistic schedule. What works for me is weaving little sacred practices into my day. Those small shifts create a sense of flow instead of frenzy. And that’s what I want for you this September: flow, ease, and balance. Of course, we need to do it all with a side of humor, because if we can’t laugh at life, what are we even doing it all for?

So here’s my little challenge for you this month: instead of dreading the “back to routine” vibe, reframe it. Ask yourself—what do I want to release this fall? What rituals can I weave into my days that bring peace instead of pressure? How can I treat my schedule like a rhythm that supports me instead of drains me? September is your chance to reset—not just your calendar, but your spirit. Let’s make it not just back to routine… but back to you. You got this!