After I got over the initial shock of the sudden cold front on Wednesday (along with the shock that I had been eating pasteurized sauerkraut all week), I had a couple of small victories yesterday.

I found a coat that I had completely forgotten about. I love this coat.

I found a decent avocado at the store. I haven’t had a good avocado since I moved here.

I received good feedback on a couple of projects I’ve been working on the last few months at work.

These things alone were enough to put me in a good mood. But I realized, in spite of these small victories, I’ve been feeling great lately.

I can attribute it to all of the little things I’ve added into my day to make it less stressful and more enjoyable. They have done just that.

I’ve been starting my day with gratitude and intention. I get up earlier than necessary and move, whether it’s Crossfit, or a bike ride, yoga, or aerobics in my living room. I take the later train 1-2 times a week, so I can enjoy breakfast at home. On the train, I read a book and sip my tea. Every day after lunch, I take a walk on the path through the farmland behind my office. I make sure I am living in the now and I’m present in each moment, appreciating the little things.

It has taken adjusting and commitment to get to this place, but now these little tweaks are part of my daily routine. And they make me happy. And as weird as it might seem, I really feel calmer, less stressed, more aware, and more rational.

When the dust settled from my travels in September, I was revved up to reevaluate my goals and make some changes through the end of the year (I don’t know about you, but a good vacation always does that to me).

I’ve been wanting to blog about my goals for October and November. I want to share my thoughts and plans over the next few days and want to hear how you’re approaching this last part of the year. Who says we have to wait until January 1 to set goals and make change? Or even November 1? Why not just start?

Two weeks ago, I noticed this gorgeous golden tree outside my apartment—a pop of yellow in an otherwise grey landscape. I thought how I had missed the fall in California. As much as the cold is not fun, I love eating pumpkin spiced things and watching the trees change. I’m embracing fall, taking advantage of the season, setting goals, and appreciating the little things.