Fall Clean Up
Fall—the most wonderful time of the year! Apple orchards, autumn leaves, pumpkin spice, and crisp air. Ahhh, amazing, right? Most of us find the Fall season a time to clean up things a bit. Raking leaves, storing furniture, washing, and cleaning those spaces where we live are just a few of the many things we do to prepare for the winter season. Our lives are like these spaces, they get messy, too! The messiness of life may be unavoidable, but we can learn to tidy up our lives, just like we tidy the yard. Here are 5 easy “chores” to help you clean up the chaos:
Declutter your schedule! Your calendar should not look like a game of Strategy. If your life needs high-level planning management, you need to restructure. Not everything needs to be a “yes.” Permit yourself to protect your time.
Sweep the negative away! Surround yourself with people who lift you up and avoid those who bring you down. Confetti is great fun until it lands on the floor.
Organize your thoughts! Research tells us that consistent, restorative practices (sleep, walking, exercise, short breaks, mediation) are crucial for mental well-being. Take a break each day—a break without stress or worry. Allow yourself some true peace and quiet. Your brain will thank you.
Rake in kindness! Never underestimate the power of kindness. Buy someone coffee, say hello to a stranger, hold a door for someone, say thank you. Small acts go the distance to make us feel happy. Of course, if you want to volunteer at a shelter or buy groceries for your neighbor by all means, go for it! Even a simple smile can make us release those happy hormones.
Laugh like a dustpan! The best way to “clean-up” our messy life is to use humor. Laugh at yourself for spilling your coffee, smile at a funny billboard or watch a “Leanne” episode on Netflix. Practice laughter! It will lighten the burdens of life.
Indeed, our lives are messy but with a little decluttering, sweeping, organizing, and practicing kindness and laughter we can make it a bit more manageable - maybe even delightful. As we move forward toward fall, try to keep this mindset with you.
I wish each of you a Fall full of caramel apples, corn mazes and hayrides. Please know that I and the entire TMAA appreciate and treasure each of you. Together, we make a real difference in our communities. And, since it’s Fall and that brings football—GO VOLS!
Lisa St Charles | TMAA President 2025-2026
