From the Front Porch

Happy Friday from the front porch sweet friends, it’s great to be back with you today!

Last week, I was in the doctor’s office going through my prescriptions and paperwork when I noticed she had included a doctor’s note filled with work restrictions in the stack.  

“It’s kind of you to include this note, “I said. “I work from home though, so I don’t really need it. Besides, I have a great boss,” I said trying to make light of a tough situation.   

“You’re exactly the type of person I write these notes for,” she replied as her demeanor changed immediately. “You’re the type of person who extends a lot of grace to others yet seems to have trouble extending that same kind of grace to yourself. You have a lot more on your plate than the average person because you’re running your own business. So, I’m guessing you’re also the type of person that will rush through the healing process because this is your busiest time of year and I know you’re only doing the bare minimum to keep yourself healthy because I can see from your chart, you’re rarely in here, which tells me you’re not sick often.”

I sat there stunned hoping she was finished, but she continued as she closed my chart and headed for the exam room door.

“Listen, you’ll likely never see having COVID and strep as a blessing, I don’t blame you. I’ve had COVID myself and it’s not a pleasant experience. But I wish you would try to see this extra time of healing as a gift. Whether you realize it or not you’re in a very unique and privileged position because you work from home and have a flexible schedule. Now I’m not saying your job is easy, I’m sure the mental load is a heavy one. But you have two choices right now. You can either rush a healing process that is vital to your well-being and limp along for the rest of the year, or you can take my advice and slow down, give your body what it needs, and do this the right way.  You’ve been given this time for a reason. I suggest you take it. Ultimately though, it’s up to you.”

And with that, she thanked me for coming in and sent me to the front office to check out.

I freely admit at the time I was in no mood for tough love or a life lesson. I just wanted to get home, take a hot bath, put on a fresh pair of pajamas, and crash.  

But a few days into the recovery process I had an allergic reaction to one of the medications which extended my recovery time even further.

And while the outcome was disappointing, I knew my doctor was right, I had finally hit the point of sweet surrender.

There are times in our lives when we get a little warning signal. Sometimes, it starts out the size of a pebble and is so small it’s easy to explain away or ignore.

But if left unchecked that same pebble can become a rock, then a boulder, and before we know it, the signal becomes an avalanche of a situation that must be addressed immediately.   

I share this because hiccups, delays, and obstacles are not always easy to deal with, but they can be an opportunity for life-changing growth if we remain open to the experience.

Cheering you on as you learn to manage resistance and lean into unexpected gifts of healing and restoration this season.  

A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:

• If you love all things Patina Farm, you’ll adore this French American Villa in Los Angeles. 
• Jean Stoffer never disappoints and this English Brick home tour is no exception.
• Have you seen this Avignon Serenity Suite yet? It’s gorgeous!
• This Lakeland Project Reveal is another showstopper from Bria Hammel Interiors you’ll adore.
• 30 Charming Gardens to Inspire Your Own

Seasonal Inspiration:

• Loved Anna’s post on How to Make an Easy DIY Autumn Wheat Wreath
• Have you seen Jen’s fabulous pumpkin topiaries yet? They’re perfect for the front porch!
• I always forget to decorate the kitchen for the holidays which is why I love Rachel’s quick and easy decorating ideas.
• The littles would be crazy over this festive calendar.
• The Best Fall Destinations Around the US to Visit This Season

Style and Wellness Inspiration:

• 6 Ways to Style a Cardigan for Fall (via Loverly Grey that are all totally cute and totally doable too)
• 10 Nourishing Foods to Help Support Your Body Through Menopause
• A Self-Care Guide for Teachers (From a Teacher)

Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:

• The padlock detail on this mini-shopper is really elegant.
• This is such a cute idea.
• My baby sister has these and they’re fabulous!

If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…

Fall Wreath and Autumn-Inspired Door Decor

Fall Entry Ideas

Simple Ways to Celebrate Fall Home Tour

Simple Ways to Celebrate Fall Porch Tour

Brown and White Transferware Pumpkins

Organizing the Week Ahead…

Words to Live By:

Dates to Celebrate:

• 09/15 Rosh Hashanah
• 09/16 Oktoberfest
• 09/21 National Chai Day
• 09/22 Native American Day
• 09/22 American Business Women’s Day
• 09/22 National Ice Cream Cone Day
• 09/23 First Day of Fall
• 09/23 National Pot Pie Day

Weekly Simplified and Organized Home Challenge Task:

• Transition Seasonal Items into Closets (coats, sweaters, ski gear, sports equipment)

3 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Season:

• Simply Your Current Routines
• Refresh Your Bedroom or Your Favorite Room in the House
• Renew an Old Friendship, Habit, or Hobby You Once Loved

September Menu Ideas:

• 30 Recipes to Make Meal Planning in September Quick and Easy

Neutral Inspired Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…

(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

Cardigan (size down) * Earrings * Pumps * Pumpkin

Tray * Fisherman Sweater * Watch * Mules

Pillow * Facial Pads * Vest * Purse

Password Keeper * Belt * Makeup Cloths * Crewneck Sweater

As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing.  We can’t wait to share even more with you next week! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo