It's a beautiful autumn day, the last of September. This kind of day in Minnesota makes you realize the new season is really here, and the days will get shorter and colder soon. I feel in myself--and others, too--a near panic at the need to embrace it all before it's gone. This might explain why every year, by the end of October, I am thoroughly exhausted by my own plans. This morning, though, I went with my gut. Despite waking with a dull headache, a feeling I "should" go do a harder workout, and many errands and outdoor tasks ahead, I knew I needed to slow down and just be outside. So, Leon and I hopped in the car and visited our nearby Big Woods, strolling for a good 90 minutes. It was so impromptu I even forgot a water bottle, but fortunately, I located one in the car once we arrived. It was absolutely stunning with fall colors, near-perfect weather, and despite a fun run happening, we managed to see almost no one at all. I'm reminded now the perfect end to something is just being grateful for it and having no plan at all.