Some months, we can see how much life has changed just by looking around the room.
For us, October has been one of those months. A different home. Familiar belongings finding new places. Boxes holding pieces of our history while we figure out what everyday life looks like now.
But the biggest changes haven’t all been things we can see.
This month has asked us to think about what we want to move forward with, what we’re ready to release, and how we care for ourselves and each other along the way.
Before we turn the calendar, we want to pause with you.
Introducing Our Monthly Thrive Check In
Starting this month, we’re adding something new to Move With Mack.
On the last Saturday of every month, we’ll share a Monthly Thrive Check In. It will be a chance to look back at what we’ve explored all month together, reflect on how it connects to our own lives, and take something helpful you discovered this month into the months ahead.
Each check in will include a simple resource you can use at your own pace. Sometimes that might be a few journal prompts. Other times, a conversation starter or a small activity to share with someone you love. (We need to come out with a Thrive Binder for y'all to use.)
We want this to feel like sitting down together after a full month and asking,
“How are we doing, for real...for real?”
What October Has Taught Us
Our October theme, Embracing the Next Chapter, became very personal as we moved back to Arizona.
We began by talking about letting go to make room. Emptying our Florida storage reminded us how much we had already released over the years. What remained included sentimental pieces and dishes we wanted to keep. Letting go also helped us recognize what deserved a place in our lives.
We then looked at deciding what was appropriate for our current situation. We have enough life experience in our 50+ lives to understand that something may have been right for a previous season without being what we desire now. Even when we value that chapter, we might still choose differently.
We also talked about caring for ourselves through change. While settling into our home, we traveled to Pittsburgh to say goodbye to Mack’s brother, BK. When we returned, the boxes were waiting. We needed rest and each other. Giving ourselves that time mattered more than finishing the house.
As we close the month, welcoming the next chapter feels less like having everything figured out and more like paying attention. What feels good here? What do we need? What are we looking forward to?
We’re still answering those questions.
Your October Reflection Resource
Keep, Release, Make Room
Take a few quiet minutes with a notebook, or talk through these questions with someone you trust. A sentence or two is enough.
What do we want to keep?
Think about something that supported you this month. Maybe it was a morning walk, a meaningful conversation, a familiar routine, or a person who helped you feel grounded.
Something we want to carry into November is…
What are we ready to release?
Consider an expectation, obligation, or habit that feels heavier than it needs to. You don’t have to solve it today. Simply naming it can help you understand what needs attention.
Something we’re ready to loosen our hold on is…
What do we want to make room for?
Think about what you would welcome more of in everyday life. Rest. Laughter. Movement. Connection. Time to enjoy something you already have.
One small way we can make room for that is…
You can save these prompts and return to them whenever you need a little space to think.
A Few Reminders to Carry With Us
We can appreciate our past and choose differently today. The life we’ve lived gives us wisdom to draw from as our needs change.
We can rest while things are unfinished. There will usually be something else to do. Our need for care deserves a place in the day, too.
We can take our time getting comfortable with change. Even a welcome new chapter can bring uncertainty, sadness, or tiredness.
We can begin with one small choice. A short walk together, a phone call, or a slow-paced meal can help us feel more connected to the life we’re building.
Looking Toward November
Next month, our theme is Living Fully, Loving Deeply & Giving Thanks.
We’ll be exploring the ordinary moments that make life meaningful, the relationships we want to nurture, and the gratitude we can find while life is still unfolding.
For now, we’re taking a moment to appreciate what October has held and what it has taught us.
We hope you’ll give yourself that moment, too.
What is one thing you want to carry into your next chapter? We’d love to hear from you.
Kirsten & Mack
Live Boldly. Move Confidently. Thrive Intentionally.
P.S. Would you find value in having a Thrive Journal for this once a month series. That way you can keep it all organized as we make our way through the months?
Share in the comments what you think about this post and/or what you think about having a Thrive Journal.
Keep Thriving With Us
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