October is a vibe.

Can we all agree that October is a vibe?

It’s not just Halloween, though certainly that’s part of it. It’s also the deep purple skies at twilight and the crisp feeling in the air—the whole month crackles with magical imagination.

Frankly, I love every part of it. I pull my chunkiest cardigans out from storage, along with blankets and thick leg warmers, and settle into the cool weather. I take walks in the falling leaves, relishing pink cheeks and frost on my breath. If I’m lucky, I’ll catch owls calling to each other at sunset.

This time is so special, and so fleeting, that I work hard to remain present. It’s a labor of love, but a necessary one. My journal is a key player in this effort, holding me gently accountable to my intentions. Each page nudges me:

Are you noticing?

Are you moving slow enough to see and touch and smell?

Are you lingering in the moments? Or are you letting them pass by too quickly to leave an impression on your soul?

In Opt Out Family, author Erin Loechner talks about the art of creating experiences that captivate our senses. She mentions, for instance, the sound of a crackling fire and the dancing light of flames. Or the smell of baking bread. Or the touch of a soft fleecy blanket, or fuzzy yarn cast onto a set of knitting needles. These sensory experiences bring so much depth and dimension into our everyday lives, and we find that in our screen-heavy era, we’re craving these richer alternatives.

My ambitions for October align with this quest: to artfully captivate the senses with the best that this month has to offer. Keep reading for how I’m planning to do this.

One of my favorite spreads in my bullet journal this month is all about embracing the cozy, slower pace of fall. This spread is designed to capture everything that makes October special, from the warm glow of candles to the crisp feel of the air during a fall walk. I’ve included space to jot down intentions for soaking in the season—whether that’s reading a book by the fire, sipping a hot tea, or sitting outside with a blanket to watch the stars come out.

This spread also includes a box for photos and moments I want to capture this month. I love using my journal to create these types of “memory-creating” checklists, especially when my days and weeks are busy. Whether it’s a spontaneous hike through colorful trees or a cozy afternoon spent reading, this page helps me hold onto the season a little longer.

Here are a few of my favorite Autumn Vibe ideas:

There’s something about October that makes knitting feel extra cozy. This month, I’m working on a sweater—there’s nothing more satisfying than feeling the yarn run through your fingers as the pattern grows. It’s meditative and tactile, engaging the mind and hands in a rhythmic flow.

Other contemplative hands-on hobbies could include crocheting a blanket, hand-sewing small projects, cross-stitching (I LOVE cross-stitching), or coloring. These activities invite us to slow down, to be present with each stitch, loop, and pull.

Remember when making your own sourdough became THE THING during the pandemic? I’d like to keep that experience alive. There’s something deeply grounding about working with dough, kneading it, shaping it, and watching it rise. October is the perfect time to indulge in those sensory experiences in the kitchen.

Put on some music, open a window to let the cool autumn breeze in, and enjoy the process. A few ideas to get started:

• Apple pie: the smell of cinnamon and apples baking will fill your home with warmth.

• Soft pretzels: an easy, satisfying snack for a cozy movie night or a backyard Oktoberfest.

• Pumpkin muffins: the quintessential fall treat, perfect with your morning coffee.

Baking isn’t just about the end product—it’s about the slow process of mixing, stirring, and savoring the scents as your creation takes shape.

October begs us to be outdoors. The air is crisp, the earthy scent of drying leaves is comforting, and the golden light of the season feels mystical.

Take a walk through the falling leaves. Feel the cooler temperatures on your skin, and soak in the changing colors of the trees. The shifting light as we move deeper into fall is one of the most magical parts of this time of year—especially at dusk.

Whether it’s a morning stroll with frost on the grass or an evening walk under the twilight sky, don’t miss out on the moments that make this season so enchanting. They pass by quickly, so be sure to journal them as you go.

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, fall invites us to slow down and truly appreciate the small, beautiful moments that make the season so special. Journaling is the perfect way to capture these fleeting experiences and help us savor them fully.

So, here’s a quick journal prompt for your October spread:

“What are three things you want to savor this fall?”

Take a few moments to reflect on what makes fall feel magical for you. Maybe it’s the crackle of leaves underfoot, the warmth of a cozy drink, or the glow of candlelight during a quiet evening at home. Write down three specific things you want to linger in and enjoy this season.

Now let’s get started.

I’ve journaled my intentions, and now it’s time to live them. The goal is to fully embrace the cozy, rich moments of October—knitting, baking, and soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds us.