"I hope November brings you something good.
I hope you know you deserve it."

November is here, and with it, a mix of cozy sweater weather, falling leaves, and the shadow of a big, stressful election. If you’re anything like me, the flood of ads, the endless news updates, and the looming decision all feel like they’re cranking up the pressure. But as important as voting is, so is making room to breathe—and that’s where a little self-care goes a long way.

Honestly, if you need me, I’ll be curled up with a good book and my dogs. Please don’t need me. A warm blanket, a hot drink, and a story to dive into might just be the ticket to getting through this month in one piece. There’s something truly magical about letting yourself get lost in a story, like a private getaway without having to leave your couch.

Reading isn’t just a guilty pleasure—it’s a lifeline when things get overwhelming. When I open a book, it's my way of pressing pause on the noise and reconnecting with myself. Research backs this up too; reading can reduce stress by over 60%, which sounds like exactly what we all need right now.

So, here’s my Monday motivation: let yourself enjoy something good this November. You deserve that little pocket of peace, a moment just for you. This month might be wild, but remember that it’s okay—more than okay—to carve out some joy in the middle of it all.

To all of us finding solace in stories, here’s to November bringing something good.

🎩 hat tip to @ourseasns for the quote — I love it