November is here! Don’t you just love this time of year? The air gets crisp, the leaves put on a gorgeous show, and we start thinking about Thanksgiving and the holidays ahead.

Of course, November also seems to be the month when our to-do lists multiply. There are meals to plan, houses to decorate, gifts to buy, and what feels like a million things to do!

But what if we approached the holidays a little differently this year?

Through my work with TM Wellness Concierge, I remind clients that wellness is about creating a life that feels truly good to live, not following a set of rules or striving for perfection. It’s about finding sustainable, livable ways to care for ourselves, nurturing the relationships that matter, and making small, intentional choices that support our well-being over time.

Our wellness journey should fit into our lives, not take them over. This is a perfect season to give some focus to personal joy over perfection and performance.

Sometimes a Walk Is More Than a Walk

One of my favorite ways to clear my head and work out is to get outside and walk. Recently, while walking my dog at Stones River National Battlefield, I struck up a conversation with another walker. What began as a casual hello turned into a meaningful new connection. We walked together for an hour, chatting away!

I went out for exercise and came home reminded that wellness isn’t just about moving our bodies. It’s also about connection, friendship, and being open to unexpected moments.

We’re fortunate to have so many wonderful places to enjoy the outdoors right here in Murfreesboro. I love Stones River National Battlefield, and the Stones River Greenway and Barfield Crescent Park offer even more opportunities to get outside and explore.

And have you heard about the new Veterans Park coming to Murfreesboro? How exciting that we’ll have another 153 acres of green space to enjoy! Located along Veterans Parkway near I-840, it’s a wonderful reminder that our community continues to create opportunities for us to get outside, move our bodies, and connect with nature.

So invite a friend for a walk, explore a new location, or get away on your own. You never know what surprises the day might hold.

Make Thanksgiving About More Than the Meal

Thanksgiving traditions are part of what make this season special. Maybe your family debates who makes the best stuffing, competes over the wishbone, or heads outside for a little backyard football. Sometimes enthusiasm and athletic ability don’t quite match—but that’s half the fun!

I also love the idea of “Friendsgiving.” Gathering friends around a simple meal can be just as meaningful as a traditional holiday celebration.

And here’s my tip: Do the things you really love to do and ask someone to bring a side dish, a dessert or even a centerpiece. People love to help, and you know you’ll enjoy the bit of a break from doing it all this year. Don’t spend hours making everything perfect. Spend time with the people. The people who come to your home want to spend time with you, not inspect your baseboards or sit alone in another room while you cook and clean. The goal is connection, not perfection.

One event to put on your calendar that invites fitness and family and friend time is BoroDash on Thanksgiving morning. My family and I will be getting our morning exercise in at the BoroDash, and we hope to see you there. It’s a fun way to get moving, enjoy our community, and work up an appetite before the Thanksgiving feast. Whether you run or walk, it’s sure to be a wonderful way to start the holiday. I can’t wait!

Small Habits, Lasting Benefits

We don’t need an elaborate wellness plan to feel our best. A few consistent habits can make a real difference.

Keep moving. Walking and biking are wonderful, and strength training helps build muscle, support strong bones, and improve balance. Even a few short sessions each week can make a difference at every age and fitness level. I am a fan of Trek Murfreesboro, on Memorial Boulevard, they have quality bikes and accessories and are such a motivating and informed team. I also love my Peloton app for quick full-body strength classes I can do at home (they have classes for all levels).

Stay hydrated. Keep water nearby, especially when cooler weather makes it easy to forget to drink enough.

Enjoy your food. I’m certainly not going to tell you to skip the mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie. Savor your favorite holiday foods without guilt and aim for balance overall.

Protect your sleep. Give yourself permission to leave a few things unfinished instead of staying up late trying to do it all. When it’s time to get in bed, remember to leave that blue light (your phone), out of your sanctuary. Savor your sleep!

Make room for joy. Spend time with people you love, get outdoors, and leave a little breathing room in your calendar.

Wellness is about the small choices we can sustain—not being perfect for a week and giving up the next. You’ve got this!

Give Back and Stay Connected

November is also a wonderful time to think about people in our community who could use a little help.

Consider participating in The Salvation Army Angel Tree, supporting a local food drive, exploring volunteer opportunities with Read To Succeed, Habitat for Humanity or checking in on a neighbor who might appreciate some company.

Giving back doesn’t have to involve a huge commitment. A thoughtful donation, an hour of your time, or an invitation to share a meal can make a difference. These small acts can also strengthen our own sense of connection and purpose.

And remember, the holidays can feel different for everyone. If you’re missing someone, navigating a change, or feeling lonely, give yourself permission to acknowledge those feelings. Reach out to someone you trust or create a new tradition that fits your life today.

We don’t have to navigate every season of life on our own.

Your November Challenge

This month, I invite you to choose three simple things:

One thing for yourself: Take a walk, enjoy a quiet cup of tea, or make time for something you love.
One thing for someone else: Call a friend, check on a neighbor, or volunteer.
One thing to appreciate: Notice a small moment of joy each day. Pausing and simply noticing can feel so good!

As November unfolds, I hope you’ll make time for the people you love, the community around you, and the everyday moments that make your life meaningful.

Here’s to a season filled with gratitude, connection, and simple joy.