October is a season of change. As leaves fall and nature prepares for rest, we are reminded that letting go is not an ending, but preparation for a new BEginning. This month, there are many important observances that invite us to reflect on how we live, how we care for ourselves, and how we show up for others: Mental Health Awareness, the International Day of Non-Violence, World Smile Day, and Thanksgiving.

🧠 Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma

October is recognized in many places as a time to spotlight mental health. For too long, conversations around mental well-being carried shame or silence. But just as we care for our physical health, tending to our mental health is even more important to me!

• Why it matters: Nearly 1 in 5 people live with a mental health challenge. Many never seek help because of stigma. Awareness months give us permission to normalize these conversations.
  Mental health affects how we think, feel, and interact with the world. Stress, anxiety, depression, or grief are not signs of weakness; they are human experiences. These feels are meant to be felt, not overlooked or pushed down. They are to BE Felt!
  
  

• What you can do:
  
  

  • Check in with yourself daily: How am I really feeling?
    
    

  • Normalize conversations: ask loved ones, “How’s your mental health?”
    
    

  • Seek support: therapy, coaching, journaling, or community groups can be life-changing.
    
    

When we strengthen our mental health, we also strengthen our capacity for compassion and resilience.

We also BEcome more intentional about who we get to BE and who we BEcome for others.

✋ International Day of Non-Violence: Choosing Peace

On October 2, the world observes the International Day of Non-Violence, honoring the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Non-violence is more than the absence of harm, it is the active choice to practice peace, both inwardly and outwardly.

• Why it matters: Violence can take many forms: physical, emotional, or even the harsh words we speak to ourselves. Non-violence starts within.
  
  

• What you can do:
  
  

  • Practice non-violent communication: listen deeply, respond with empathy.
    
    

  • Reduce inner violence: notice negative self-talk and gently replace it with compassion. BE kinder to yourself and others will BE kinder to you as well.
    
    

  • Engage in kindness: small actions, a smile, a supportive word. These simple things shift the energy of a space.
    
    

Peace BEgins with the YOU and ripples outward to everything you touch.

And on the lighter side, World Smile Day (Oct 4) reminds us of the incredible power of kindness. A simple smile can shift someone’s entire day. Look out for me and my team spreading smiles on our socials!

REMEMBER THIS IS CELEBRATED OCT. 4, BUT WE SHOULD CONTINUE SHOWING OUR KINDNESS TO OURSELVES AND OTHERS ALWAYS!

What could you do to BE …you

What is one thing, big or small, you are ready to release this season?
And what are three things you can give thanks for today?

Thanksgiving & Gratitude: Anchoring in the Good

Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and practice gratitude. Gratitude doesn’t erase struggle, but it shifts perspective. It helps us see not just what is missing, but what is still present and possible.

• Why it matters: Research shows that gratitude can lower stress, improve sleep, and boost overall well-being.
  
  

• What you can do:
  
  

  • Start a gratitude journal: list 3 things you’re thankful for each day.
    
    

  • Express thanks out loud: tell someone you appreciate them.
    
    

  • Practice mindful presence: savor simple joys like a warm drink, crisp air, or shared laughter.
    
    

Gratitude transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Putting It All Together

This October, let’s take inspiration from nature’s cycle of letting go:

• Care for our mental health with honesty and support.
  
  

• Choose non-violence in our words, actions, and self-talk.
  
  

• Root ourselves in gratitude, even in seasons of change and challenge.
  
  

Reflection for You:

What small practice, mental health care, peaceful action, or gratitude, will you commit to this October?

Let me know, I want to know!