Embracing Change, Music & Apple Cider
 September is such a unique month. It’s the closing of summer and the slow, earthy welcome of fall — which brings up different feelings for many of us.
Growing up in the northern East Coast, fall was a time of farmers markets bursting with apples, pears, broccoli, and potatoes… and watching the leaves slowly change and drift down like confetti. (This picture is from one of my favorite places up in northern PA in Tioga County.) Now that we live in the Southeast, it feels different. September is peak hurricane season, gardens are in their second planting (which I haven’t quite mastered…), and summer lingers longer than expected.
Honestly? This shift is hard for me. I feel the tug of shorter days, fading green, and all the transitions they bring — including my own. This fall, I step into a brand-new chapter, leaving behind full-time PT after 18 years and embracing this new calling of coaching full-time. Change can be good and stressful. Sometimes both.
Reframing Stress — Good, Bad & Redemptive
When we hear “stress,” we often jump to the negative: being overwhelmed by responsibilities, relational tension, burnout, even injury. As a physical therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how unchecked stress can lead to breakdown — pain, inflammation, fatigue, and emotional turmoil that ripples into sleep, digestion, and even the choices we make (like endless scrolling or sugar binges).
But stress can also be good.
Think about learning a new skill or starting a new career — it stretches you. In the body, good stress through exercise breaks down tissue only to rebuild it stronger. Nature does it too. Trees lose their leaves so new growth can come. Autumn teaches us that shedding isn’t death — it’s preparation for renewal.
The key is discernment. Is your stress helping or harming you?
The Stress Sorter
Here’s a simple reflection tool you can use today:
Ask Yourself:
- Is this stress pushing me toward growth?
- Or is it wearing me down without purpose?
Then Act:
If it’s helpful → lean in.
If it’s harmful → reframe and release.
Here are some beautiful, healing practices that can help you navigate either kind of stress:
- Step into sunlight and spend time in nature
- Cuddle your furry friend
- Journal 3 things you’re grateful for
- Reach out to a friend or small group for prayer
- Be creative: art, music, dance
- Sit by a fire and rest
- Nourish your sleep
- Eat whole, healing foods
- Move your body in love, not punishment
Remember: Lifestyle is never just one thing. It’s all connected. And when you love your body well, it shows up in every part of your life.
A Month of Stress (In the Best Way!)
For the rest of September, I’ll be walking you through the pillar of Stress Management, drawing from:
- The ACLM definition of stress management
- The body’s physiological response to stress
-
Nature’s wisdom during seasonal transitions
- And a special surprise guest at the end of the month 👀
In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you!
What’s your favorite part of fall?
Mine is easy: apple cider from Rohrer’s in Manheim, PA.
They use a variety of apples grown right on their farm, and the flavor is bold, crisp, and deep — the kind of goodness that only comes through time and togetherness.
How to Connect
Ready to move out of stress and into purpose?
Book your free Find Your Energy Discovery Session here:
Not sure yet? I’d love to get to know you better.
Let’s connect, no pressure. Just presence.
One of my go-to stress relievers is music. It’s powerful and healing — it lifts my spirits and reminds me who I am. So, as I close this newsletter, I leave you with a smile and a song:
“Movin’ right along in search of good times and good news
With good friends you can’t lose
This could become a habit!...
Movin’ right along
Footloose and fancy-free
Getting there is half the fun, come share it with me”
– Kermit & Fozzie, The Muppets
Let’s keep movin’ right along — through stress, into purpose, and always toward joy.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
This verse has become an anchor for me. May it bring you peace in whatever season you’re in.
With grace and hope,
Kim
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