“Life starts over when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

It will come as no surprise that Autumn is my favourite season – you just have to take one look at my Instagram grid. Not only does it provide the prettiest views, there is also a sense of something ‘new’ about October. Perhaps it is the memories of clean school books and annual stationery hauls, or the idea of ‘reinvention’ that often occupies my mind this time of year. Either way, just as the leaves are dying and falling, there’s a sense that something is beginning.

After a turbulent two years of moving house, settling in, planning a wedding and juggling ‘life’ (as well as recently getting married), it feels like things might be changing. This season, I’m trying my best to find balance. Instead of making new year’s resolutions that I’m unlikely to keep, I’m aiming to make small changes that I hope will make a difference.

Here’s some of the promises I’m making to myself.

Write more. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that writing was, and still is, my first love. I want to embrace ‘mindful’ writing this year – whether that is scribbling down a stream of consciousness, writing this blog or putting my all into my work. I’ve already got one freelance project under my belt this month. Who knows what will happen next?

Keeping in touch. A busy year has meant that I’ve been particularly bad for keeping in contact with, and meeting up with friends. When I’m able to, I’d love to spend my time visiting some of my friends, catching up with people I haven’t seen in years and even meeting new people. Who knows? I might even feel brave enough to attempt some networking as part of my freelance career…

More yoga. I’m not a natural yogi at all. I don’t think my body will ever bend the way I want it to, and I’m hardly athletic. Even 20 minutes a day makes me feel a little more balanced, and it’s definitely something I need to get into the habit of doing.

Move more. I’m a long way away from wanting to be a few dress sizes smaller (more important things to wonder about), but I do want to try and tone up a bit and get fitter. A couple of years ago, I could regularly run 5K without too much trouble – now I get out of breath in the first kilometre. Taking time for a short run now the evenings are cooler is my aim, and this week I’ll even be rocking up to my first stint at a running club.

Visit new places. As I go into the next year, I’m looking forward to visiting new places. I’m just about to book a trip to Basel to see a friend and browse the Christmas markets – something that’s always been on my list.

Have you got any goals for the coming season?