A Soft Goodbye to October

Hey friend,

As October comes to a close, this week’s edition of The Wellness Rewind is your gentle cue to pause. We’re talking slower mornings, softer routines, and that in-between feeling where reflection meets renewal. Consider this your midweek reminder to exhale, and make space for what’s next.

There’s a certain stillness in late October, mornings feel slower, the air a little heavier, and everything seems to be exhaling. The rush of early fall has softened, and what’s left is a quiet invitation to reset. Maybe it’s the light shifting earlier each day or the urge to tuck away summer’s chaos, either way, this moment feels like the pause before the next beginning.

Lately, I’ve been craving simplicity more than anything. Less rushing, more rhythm. My days have been slower, cappuccinos over ice lattes, Pilates over HIIT, journaling instead of scrolling. October always humbles me a little; it asks me to reflect on what actually feels sustainable. The truth is, I’ve been learning to let ambition and ease coexist, to work hard, yes, but to also let the quiet moments mean something.

This week, I’ve been doing what I call a “gentle audit.” What worked this month? What drained me? What do I want to feel more of next month? It’s not a big reset, just a subtle recalibration. Sometimes growth looks like keeping what feels good and quietly letting the rest go.

🍂 Currently reading: Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed — equal parts raw and grounding. It’s like therapy in book form.

☕️ Drink of the month: A hot cappuccino with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cardamom. Small comfort, big mood shift.

💆🏻‍♀️ Skincare favorite: The Quench Hydrating Serum by Root + Renew — my skin’s version of a cozy sweater. Currently, it’s out of stock, but it’ll be back Nov. 7th!

📺 Binge-worthy TV: Nobody Wants This Season 2 — An agnostic sex podcaster and a newly single rabbi fall in love, but can their relationship survive their wildly different lives and meddling families? A perfect slow Sunday watch.

As October winds down, ask yourself: What do you want to carry with you into November and what are you ready to leave behind?

This month reminded me that slowing down doesn’t mean standing still. I’ve been learning to enjoy the in-between — in work, in life, and in new connections. There’s something really grounding about the getting-to-know-you phase — that mix of curiosity and calm, where you’re not rushing to define anything, just letting things unfold. I’ve been enjoying that.

October taught me to move with more ease, to rest when I need to, to let things (and people) reveal themselves naturally. I’m leaving behind the pressure to control the timeline and carrying forward the peace that comes with simply being present.

I’d love to hear your own reflections or end-of-month rituals, reply back or tag @wellnessbum on Threads and share your October moment — the cozy, the quiet, the reset.

Here’s to slowing down, letting go, and starting again softly.

With calm energy,
Valerie

P.S.: Did you enjoy this? Next month I’ll be launching a paid tier, where paid subscribers will get this extra email during the week, access to all past issues, and zero ads on both Sunday and Wednesday newsletters. On Saturday November 1st, I’ll be sharing more details. Stay tuned!

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