I love the fall. I love it when it gets cooler, when we need a blanket to curl up with, and when snuggling is extra warm and fuzzy. I love all of the pumpkin-flavored things of this season!

In California, we may not see the vast changes that other parts of the country see, but the changes are still happening. The trick is to slow down enough to notice.

For many people, this is when they ramp up and get even busier. They have started planning get-togethers, cooking, cleaning, and shopping for gifts. For some people, doing all of this is fun. And for them, I am so glad they get to do all this and more!

However, if not all of this brings you pleasure, pick and choose what truly makes you happy and only do those things. Be mindful of each thing that you choose to do so that you can truly enjoy it. It is a very sad feeling when the holidays are all over, and you cannot remember enjoying any of it because you were too busy!

So, now, before it gets crazy, make your choices of where and with whom you will be focusing your time and energy on. Then stick to that! And be sure to stop and smell that pumpkin spice!

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Michelle Gottlieb, Psy.D., MFT, LPCC, is a practicing psychologist in Fullerton, California.