September has always been the beginning of a New Year for me. January pressure for resolutions at a seasonally depressing time of year is something I never connected with. But September, ah sweet September, a time of new beginnings, cooler temperatures, and my birth month.

Getting ready for winter and hibernation is a natural transition for fall. I find myself refreshing items throughout my home. This is a good time to replace the basics: bed pillows, mattress covers, towels, etc. Donate any unwanted bedding and towels to a local animal shelter.

Purge personal care and household items you don’t use and will probably never use. Makeup, once opened, is good for a year. I plan on getting my makeup done and buying a new palette to go with my new hair color. I should say, not new but natural as I embrace the gray.

For a deeper dive, I started going through a file cabinet and boxes of papers that moved with me when I downsized. Besides walking down memory lane, manufacturer warrantees and instruction booklets of items that no longer exist or associated with my former house got recycled. My shredder is getting a full workout.

Nesting, organizing, and refreshing feels amazing. The only thing we can control is our own personal space. By taking whatever action steps, even baby steps, to create a comfortable environment to live in has a ripple effect in every area of your life.